STMicroelectronics has unveiled a new generation of ultralow-power global-shutter image sensors designed to bring always-on vision capabilities to compact, battery-powered and energy-harvesting devices.

The new VD55G4 monochrome sensor and VD65G4 RGB colour sensor expand the company’s ST BrightSense portfolio and are now available to early adopters. According to STMicroelectronics, the sensors are aimed at next-generation personal electronics, including wearables, augmented and virtual reality headsets, smart home appliances and medical devices.

The sensors are designed to provide continuous visual awareness while operating under strict constraints on power consumption, size and cost. They combine a detect-and-wake architecture with a small global-shutter optical format and interfaces tailored for low-power microcontrollers and cost-efficient systems on chip.

"Always-on vision is becoming essential for the next generation of personal electronics, from smart glasses and AR/VR headsets to intelligent home appliances and medical devices,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, executive vice president and general manager of STMicroelectronics’ Imaging Sub-Group. “With VD55G4 and VD65G4, we are bringing this capability to smaller, lighter products that must run for a long time on a tiny battery.”