Vadzo launches HDR embedded vision camera module

Vadzo Imaging has introduced the Armor-246CRS-GMSL2, an embedded camera module combining onsemi’s AR0246 image sensor with high dynamic range processing and a GMSL2 connection for applications requiring cameras to operate away from their host processors.

The module provides 1920 × 1080 imaging through a two-megapixel CMOS sensor, with support for embedded high dynamic range processing, adaptive local tone mapping, and low-power motion detection. Its GMSL2 interface allows image data to be transmitted over a suitable serial connection rather than relying on a direct camera interface at the processor.

Vadzo identifies dashboard recording, security equipment, facial recognition systems, and other embedded imaging products as potential applications. Such systems frequently encounter changing illumination, moving subjects, and mechanical constraints that influence both image quality and the arrangement of the camera electronics.

The Armor module uses onsemi’s AR0246 sensor from the Hyperlux LH family. The device has a 1/4-inch optical format, 2.0µm pixels, and a backside-illuminated CMOS structure, with image information captured using a rolling shutter.

Backside illumination places the sensor’s light-sensitive structures in a position that improves access to incoming light compared with conventional arrangements in which wiring and other circuit features can obstruct part of the optical path. The arrangement helps support compact imaging devices, although overall low-light performance also depends on the sensor’s noise characteristics, optics, and exposure settings.

Rolling shutter operation captures image rows sequentially rather than exposing the entire sensor simultaneously. This approach can provide an efficient readout architecture, but movement between row exposures may produce distortion when the camera or subject moves rapidly.

The effect depends on exposure time, readout behaviour, scene motion, and the mechanical stability of the installation. Equipment intended for rapidly moving objects must therefore establish whether rolling shutter operation satisfies its imaging requirements.

High dynamic range capture addresses a separate challenge: representing scenes containing large differences between their brightest and darkest regions. A camera viewing a shaded interior against strong sunlight may struggle to retain useful information in both areas through a conventional single exposure.

Vadzo specifies the AR0246’s embedded HDR capability at up to 120dB. Expressed as an intensity ratio, this represents approximately one million to one between the extremes of the specified range, although the effective image quality depends on the capture mode and operating conditions.

The sensor supports an embedded HDR mode that combines information from multiple exposures. Bright areas can be captured using shorter exposures, while darker regions benefit from longer exposure information, allowing the combined result to represent a wider range of scene illumination.

Combining exposures introduces engineering trade-offs because moving objects may occupy different positions during the capture sequence. Depending on the sensor processing and scene, these differences can produce artefacts that must be considered when the output is used for computer vision or automated recognition.

The AR0246 also supports line-interleaved HDR and enhanced dynamic range modes, giving developers alternative ways to balance dynamic range, frame rate, and image processing requirements. These modes do not necessarily produce identical output characteristics and should be evaluated against representative scenes.

In its published sensor specifications, onsemi identifies full-resolution linear operation at up to 60 frames per second, while three-exposure embedded HDR with adaptive local tone mapping operates at 30 frames per second. These are sensor-level operating modes rather than guarantees that every completed camera configuration supports the same output conditions.

Adaptive Local Tone Mapping addresses the difference between the wide brightness range captured by the sensor and the more limited range that a conventional display or image processing system can represent.

The processing adjusts how brightness information is compressed across different areas of an image, helping preserve detail in shadows while controlling strongly illuminated regions. On-sensor processing can reduce the amount of additional tone mapping required by the host, although the resulting image is no longer a direct representation of the original high dynamic range data.

Local tone mapping can also introduce visible effects when strong adjustments are applied around image edges or areas containing substantial contrast. Increasing the brightness of shadow regions may make noise more visible, while aggressive processing can alter the appearance of features used by recognition algorithms.

The camera therefore needs to be evaluated using the actual lighting conditions in which it will operate. Where downstream algorithms require particular image characteristics or access to unprocessed information, developers must confirm which output modes the sensor and camera module make available.

Video transmission is handled through GMSL2, or Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link 2, a high-speed serial interface used to connect cameras and other equipment to compatible processing systems.

The technology supports a forward channel for image data and a reverse channel for control information. This allows camera modules to be positioned away from the host processor, provided the cable, connectors, serializer, deserializer, and receiving electronics can support the required transmission characteristics.

Vadzo’s Armor-246CRS-GMSL2 uses a FAKRA connector and supports power over coax, allowing an appropriate cable arrangement to carry both electrical power and communications. The camera must be paired with a compatible GMSL2 receiving interface, with the required configuration established as part of the completed system design.

Transmission performance depends on more than the nominal bandwidth of the serializer. Cable construction, connector quality, signal attenuation, electrical interference, and the selected video format all influence the operating margin available to the system.

Vadzo does not establish one universal supported cable distance for every installation. Cable length and image transmission performance must be verified using the intended host hardware and operating environment, particularly in applications exposed to electrical noise or vibration.

The module supports wake-on-motion functionality through the AR0246 sensor, allowing imaging activity to be reduced while the system monitors for movement. This can help lower sensor energy consumption in equipment that does not need to capture continuous full-resolution video.

Power savings depend on the operating state of the complete camera system. The serializer, receiving electronics, host processor, and any associated storage hardware may continue to consume power even when the image sensor operates in a reduced-power mode.

Motion detection also introduces timing considerations. The interval between detecting an event and recording a usable image can include sensor recovery, exposure adjustment, establishment of the serial connection, and processing by the host system.

In its AR0246 documentation, onsemi provides estimated sensor power consumption of 180mW during linear capture at 60 frames per second and 281mW during embedded HDR operation at 30 frames per second. These figures apply to the image sensor under its specified conditions, not to the complete Vadzo camera module.

Vadzo’s published module dimensions comprise two 38mm-square boards, with a weight of approximately 25g excluding the lens. It uses an M12 lens mount, and the listed optical configuration provides a diagonal field of view of 74 degrees.

The manufacturer specifies a module operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C, together with Windows and Linux integration support. The completed product must still be assessed for enclosure temperature, mechanical mounting, cable retention, and the compatibility of the receiving hardware and software.

Vadzo offers engineering support covering lens selection, camera configuration, firmware, cable planning, and integration with host platforms. The Armor-246CRS-GMSL2 is available for evaluation and production enquiries, allowing equipment developers to test the imaging modes and GMSL2 connection before incorporating the module into a final design.