ST launches compact automotive image sensor for in-cabin monitoring

STMicroelectronics has introduced ST SafeSense VD56GA, a 1.1 megapixel automotive image sensor for infrared in-cabin sensing, designed to help OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers extend driver and occupant monitoring to a broader range of vehicle platforms at lower system cost.

The sensor uses a new backside-illuminated pixel architecture, called ST DeepNIR, optimised for infrared imaging. ST states that VD56GA delivers 35% higher modulation transfer function (MTF) sharpness and nearly 60% higher quantum efficiency than the previous generation, figures attributed to the company rather than independently verified.

VD56GA is housed in a 3.7 mm by 3.2 mm chip-scale package. It integrates embedded image-processing functions including mirror, crop, dark calibration, auto exposure and piecewise-linear processing, which ST says removes the need for external image-processing resources. The device supports both RAW and YUV output formats, intended to give OEMs and Tier 1s flexibility across different electronic architectures.

According to ST, the sensor's imaging performance can allow the use of lower-cost optics, simplified infrared illumination and less demanding optical filtering, which the company says can reduce the cost of the complete camera module.

Front-end manufacturing of VD56GA takes place at ST's facility in Crolles, France, with packaging carried out in Asia, as part of ST's integrated device manufacturer model. Samples are available now; pricing and sample requests are handled through local ST sales offices.

Yole Group analyst Anas Chalak said driver and occupant monitoring is moving into a broader range of vehicle platforms, with volumes set to exceed 70 million units by 2031, according to Yole's Status of CMOS Image Sensors industry 2026 report. ST also noted it shipped its ten millionth automotive SafeSense image sensor earlier this year, citing adoption across Europe, Asia and the United States.