Santa Clara, CA. ON Semiconductor has introduced the Modular Automotive Reference System (MARS), which gives system and software developers a ready-to-use camera for research and development activities. The MARS platform enables users to reconfigure cameras with different lenses, image sensors, image signal processors (ISPs), and communications options for rapid prototyping and experimentation. The system is flexible so that it can be used for the full spectrum of automotive camera applications including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), surround and rear viewing systems, in-cabin cameras (for gesture recognition, driver eye monitoring, or light-level inspection purposes), and autonomous driving.
The ease of adapting this modular solution means that undertaking time-consuming activities such as creating custom boards (each capable of accommodating a different sensor option), testing out high-speed interface standards, or writing code for drivers, is no longer necessary. MARS is supported by a complete ecosystem, including software development tools, schematics, Gerber files, and BOMs. A comprehensive user guide is also included within the accompanying documentation.
“As image sensing proliferates in automotive applications, MARS will provide system and software developers tasked with turning concepts into reliable working applications with a valuable platform to simplify and speed proof of concept and development, and offer the scalability to get ideas from the lab to on-vehicle testing in real-world conditions,” said Ross Jatou, general manager and vice president of the Automotive Solutions Division of the Image Sensor Group at ON Semiconductor. “The flexibility of MARS accelerates the component selection process by making the constituent sensors and co-processors totally interchangeable. The platform avoids the need to construct a multitude of custom boards to house different sensors for evaluation reducing engineering effort and shortening project times.”
The support of commonly used communication standards (such as GMSL, FPD-Link, LVDS, MIPI, and Ethernet) enables direct interfacing with existing vehicle electronic control units (ECUs). ON Semiconductor is working with an ecosystem of partners spanning lens developers, third party ISP vendors, communications IC vendors, software developers, and SoC vendors. MARS modules are already prequalified with a range of these third party products and the company will expand these offerings going forward.
MARS development boards are available now. Board pricing is available on request and enables fully configured cameras at $1,000.00 or less.
