QPD enables 2x2 phase detection autofocus (PDAF) across the sensor’s entire image array, for 100% coverage. Unlike the microlens and half-shield PDAF technologies, which only capture 3-6% of the phase detection data, QPD is able to capture 100% of this data for improved distance calculation, faster autofocus and better low-light performance.
In combination with on-chip remosaic for the QPD colour filter array, it is possible to deliver a much improved image for the wide and ultrawide main cameras in flagship and high end smartphones.
“One of the biggest selling points for mobile phones is camera performance, and they have been steadily closing the gap with DSLR cameras for years,” said Arun Jayaseelan, staff marketing manager at OmniVision. “Our QPD autofocus technology now makes that gap even smaller, by bringing DSLR level autofocus performance to smartphone cameras.”
The OV50A image sensor provides the best low-light performance in its class, according to OmniVision, via the unique combination of a large 1.0 micron pixel size, selective conversion gain’s low-noise, high conversion gain mode, and holds the distinction as being OmniVision’s first high end mobile sensor to be offered in the large 1/1.5”optical format.
In addition, this sensor offers improved HDR through 2- and 3-exposure staggered HDR timing, along with selective conversion gain for the optimum balance between low-light image quality and HDR. These features are intended to provide mobile designers with maximum flexibility to select the best HDR method for the contrasting light and dark areas in any scene.
Built on OmniVision’s PureCel Plus-S stacked die technology, the OV50A integrates an on-chip, QPD colour filter array and hardware remosaic, which provides significantly improved autofocus performance along with high quality, 50MP Bayer output, or 8K video, in real time.
This sensor can also use near-pixel binning to output a 12.5MP image for 4K2K video with four times the sensitivity, yielding 2.0 micron-equivalent performance for preview and video. In either case, the OV50A can consistently capture the highest quality images, as well as enabling 2x digital crop zoom with 12.5MP resolution and fast mode switch.
Output formats include 50MP, or 8K video, with QPD autofocus at 30 frames per second (fps), 12.5MP with QPD autofocus at 60fps, 4K2K video with QPD autofocus at 90fps, 1080p at 240fps and 720p at 480fps. All of these options can be output at up to 3.5 Gsps per trio, over the sensor’s CPHY MIPI interface.
