Megapixel Ethernet Camera For Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) & Industrial Vision

Micrel, Inc. (Nasdaq:MCRL), an industry leader in high performance linear and power solutions, LAN and timing and communications solutions, and Silicon Micro Systems, SMS, a state-of-the-art optical and micro mechanical sensor systems manufacturer, today announced a brand new HDR-CMOS Megapixel Ethernet Camera for Automotive and Industrial systems.  The production-ready camera is designed and manufactured by camera specialist SMS (Silicon Micro Sensors GmbH a daughter of First Sensor) and features Micrel’s unique low emissions networking solutions.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Micrel to offer this breakthrough technology solution,” said Wilhelm Prinz von Hessen, vice president Business Unit Mobility, First Sensor. “Our combined efforts hold the promise of saving lives and reducing accidents while furthering technology in the automotive arena.”

“Working with First Sensor has allowed Micrel to utilize multiple elements of the Micrel’s portfolio and effectively address key system requirements of state-of-the-art cameras for automotive and industrial applications,” noted Wiren Perera, vice president, LAN Solutions & Corporate Strategic Marketing at Micrel.  “Combining our low emissions networking, compact power management and stable MEMs timing solutions with the vision systems expertise for rugged environments from First Sensor has enabled an innovative solution that addresses the burgeoning demands in growing applications such as ADAS.” 

The camera, part of First Sensor’s Blue Eagle’s line, features light sensitive, high dynamic range (>100dB) and wide field of view (>190 degrees).  Ideal for applications such as surround view and blind spot detection for automotive and industrial machine vision, the camera exhibits excellent resistance against harsh environmental conditions like mechanical shocks and vibrations, with a dust and water tight housing according to IP68/IP6k9k.

The Megapixel Ethernet Camera is just 26mm³ in size and significantly reduces cable harness costs by providing both Ethernet data transmission and power over the same low-cost unshielded twisted-pair wiring.  Based on Micrel’s new Quiet-WIRE^™ IEEE standard Ethernet transceiver technology for reduced electro-magnetic emissions, it features IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet support, sub micro Amp standby power consumption with signal detect activation and fast link up.  In addition, one of Micrel’s high voltage synchronous switching regulators, featuring HyperLight Load^® and Hyper Speed Control^™ architecture, provides all the capabilities of Power over Ethernet (PoE) without incurring any additional system cost.  Timing is provided by Micrel’s DSC1001 MEMs-based CMOS oscillator, offering robust performance with enhanced frequency stability over temperature. 

“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States will require all new passenger and some commercial vehicles, to meet new rear-visibility standards by May 2018,” noted Mike Jones product marketing director, LAN business group, Micrel.  “Micrel is committed to connecting the smart car.  Advanced Driver Assistance Systems will provide the foundations for tomorrow’s autonomous car, leading to reduced fatalities and advanced traffic management.”

The NHTSA new rule, required in the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act, is estimated to have the potential to save between 13 to 15 lives per year and could prevent as many as 1,125 injuries annually in the United States.  According to a report from the U.S. government, backup accidents involving light vehicles cause an average of 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries a year in the U.S., and victims often are children and the elderly.  Currently, children under five years old account for 31 percent of auto related deaths each year and adults 70 years of age and older represent about 26 percent domestically. 

About Micrel, Inc.

Micrel, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of IC solutions for the worldwide high performance linear and power, LAN and timing and communications markets. The Company’s products include advanced mixed-signal, analog and power semiconductors; high performance communication, clock management, MEMS-based clock oscillators and crystal-less clock generators, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceiver ICs. Company customers include leading manufacturers of enterprise, consumer, industrial, mobile, telecommunications, automotive, and computer products. Corporation headquarters and state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facilities are located in San Jose, CA, with regional sales and support offices and advanced technology design centers situated throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Company maintains an extensive network of distributors and reps worldwide. Web: www.micrel.com.

About First Sensor

Silicon Micro Sensors GmbH is a daughter of First Sensor, which is a leading supplier of sensor solutions in the Medical, Industrial, Mobility, and Electronic Engineering & Manufacturing Services fields. First Sensor develops and manufactures high-quality, customer-specific sensor solutions as well as robust cameras for the detection of light, radiation, vision, pressure, flow, level and acceleration. The company produces in-house and along the value adding-chain from component to system level. In 2013, First Sensor achieved annual sales of €109 million. Employing more than 750 people, the company is represented at 18 locations around the world.

www.first-sensor.com