Sony unveils first automotive CMOS Sensor with built-in MIPI A-PHY interface
Press Release, 29 October 2025
Japan’s Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation has announced its upcoming “IMX 828” image sensor — the first in the automotive market to integrate a high-speed MIPI A-PHY interface directly into the CMOS sensor chip. According to Sony, this eliminates the need for a separate serializer chip in camera modules, enabling lower power consumption, reduced board size and simpler thermal design.
The IMX 828 delivers an 8-effective-megapixel (≈8.34 MP) resolution and boasts top-tier high dynamic range (HDR) performance—up to 150 dB—enabling clearer recognition of bright objects such as red LED taillights under challenging lighting. Additionally, the sensor introduces a low-power parking-surveillance mode: while parked, it consumes under 100 mW by operating at low resolution/frame rate, and switches to full mode only when movement is detected.
Built to meet automotive-grade standards, the IMX 828 is designed for AEC-Q100 Grade 2 reliability and complies with the ISO 26262 functional-safety standard (hardware ASIL-B, development process ASIL-D). It also supports optional cybersecurity features based on ISO/SAE 21434, including image tampering detection and secure communications. Sample shipments are planned for November 2025. Sony says it will continue to expand its line to include other high-speed interfaces beyond A-PHY, aiming to support next-generation vehicle-camera systems.
Source: Sony Semiconductor Solutions
