New OS05A20 Provides Superior Image Quality to Video Surveillance Cameras, Day and Night
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — October 23, 2017 — OMNIVISION Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, today introduced the OS05A20, the first image sensor to implement OMNIVISION’s breakthrough Nyxel® near-infrared (NIR) technology. This 5-megapixel color image sensor leverages both the PureCel® pixel architecture and Nyxel® technology to capture bright, crisp videos and images, day and night. The OS05A20 achieves a significant improvement in quantum efficiency (QE) when compared with OMNIVISION’s earlier-generation sensors. As such, the OS05A20 can “see” better and farther under low- and no-light conditions, making it an ideal imaging solution for professional surveillance systems.
According to IHS Markit, the global shipment of network surveillance cameras will approach 100 million units in the near future. The research firm associates this significant demand with increased investment in border protection and city surveillance, as well as growth in the China market. Technology improvements are seen as vital for surveillance equipment providers to remain competitive in this growing sector. Video cameras with excellent night vision can greatly improve the quality of image data, while reduced power consumption can enable longer battery life and provide more options for device makers.
“Today’s surveillance cameras often do not adequately capture details at night, making it more difficult to identify intruders. Furthermore, many systems use power-hungry LEDs to augment lighting, which not only increases power consumption, but also reveals the location of hidden cameras,” said Roger Yeung product marketing manager at OMNIVISION. “Our new OS05A20 with Nyxel® technology tackles these problems by capturing higher-resolution images at night, when NIR photons from ambient light are more prevalent, reducing the need for augmented lighting.”
With NIR sensitivities that exceed 850 nm, the OS05A20 image sensor delivers unrivaled image quality, extends image-detection range for improved image data, and reduces the light-source requirement, leading to lower power consumption and the ability to provide covert surveillance. By leveraging OMNIVISION’s new Nyxel® technology, the OS05A20 achieves a significant QE improvement at 850 nm and 940 nm while maintaining high modulation transfer function. It captures high-resolution 2688 x 1944 video at 60 frames per second and comes in a larger 2×2-micron pixel format for improved sensitivity.
OMNIVISION will be showcasing the OS05A20 with Nyxel® technology at the China Public Security Expo (CPSE) in the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, 2017.