SANTA CLARA, CA, Oct 7, 2025 – OMNIVISION has introduced the OX05C, the automotive industry’s first 5-megapixel (MP) back-side illuminated (BSI) global shutter (GS) high dynamic range (HDR) sensor for in-cabin driver and occupant monitoring systems (DMS and OMS). Built on the company’s Nyxel near-infrared (NIR) technology, the OX05C enhances visibility in low-light environments, supporting driver and occupant safety applications. The new sensor will be demonstrated at AutoSens Europe 2025 (Booth 300) in Barcelona, Spain, from October 7 to 9, 2025.
The OX05C GS HDR sensor captures clear images of the vehicle cabin, maintaining algorithm accuracy in bright lighting conditions. It features a 2.2µm and OMNIVISION’s Nyxel near-infrared technology, which improves driver and occupant monitoring performance in low light by increasing quantum efficiency (QE) at the 940nm wavelength. The sensor includes on-chip RGB-IR separation, reducing the load on the image signal processor and backend systems, freeing bandwidth for other computing tasks.
At 6.61mm x 5.34mm, the OX05C1S package is 30% smaller than its predecessor, the OX05B (7.94mm x 6.34mm), providing automotive OEMs with superior design flexibility to place the camera in various locations within the cabin. Moreover, OEMs can use the same camera lens when upgrading from the OX05B to the OX05C, providing a cost advantage.
“We have applied OMNIVISION’s unparalleled HDR technology and top-notch RGB-IR processing algorithm for security cameras to the automotive market. This is a significant step forward in the advancement of DMS and OMS cameras,” said Dr. Paul Wu, director of automotive product marketing at OMNIVISION. “Our OX05C sensor has industry-leading perception performance. Even in bright light conditions, the driver’s face is not washed out, and the camera can detect distractions or drowsiness.” Added Wu, “DMS cameras are a critical safety component for ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), which is why OMNIVISION strives to continually improve them.”
“Global shutter combined with HDR and Nyxel NIR sensitivity makes the OX05C a real step forward for in-cabin imaging,” said Detlef Wilke, vice president innovations & strategic partnerships at Smart Eye. “It gives our algorithms the consistency they need to track driver attention and occupant status in everything from bright sunlight to near darkness, while the smaller form factor offers OEMs more flexibility in camera placement.”
The GS HDR OX05C sensor minimizes interference from infrared light sources inside the cabin, improving RGB image quality and supporting flexible capture modes. It includes built-in cybersecurity and enables simultaneous driver and occupant monitoring with a single camera, reducing system cost, complexity, and space requirements. OMNIVISION developed the sensor in collaboration with ecosystem partners to deliver an integrated solution for automotive manufacturers.
The sensor comes in an OMNIVISION stacked a-CSP package. It is also available in a reconstructed wafer option for designers who want the flexibility to customize their own package. The OX05C sensor is available in both color filter array RGB-IR and mono designs. Samples of the OX05C are available also available, and the device will be in mass production in 2026. For more information or to schedule a demo at AutoSens Europe, contact OMNIVISION sales team.
Source: OMNIVISION
About OMNIVISION
OMNIVISION, established in 1995, specializes in developing advanced digital imaging, analog, and touch and display technologies for both industrial and consumer markets. Its product portfolio includes CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensors, ASICs, and CameraCubeChip modules, which are utilized across industries such as automotive, healthcare, security, computing, mobile devices, and emerging technologies. Its continued investments in R&D have positioned it as a major player in the image sensor market worldwide. Based in Santa Clara, CA, OMNIVISION operates globally, with offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In 2019, Will Semiconductor, a China-based semiconductor company, acquired the business. As of 2023, the company employs over 3,000 people worldwide and serves thousands of customers across various sectors. OMNIVISION plays a key role in the global image sensor market, standing out for its innovative solutions and market reach.