Valens Semiconductor (NYSE: VLN) and onsemi have announced a collaboration to develop a cost-optimized integrated sensor for 3-megapixel automotive camera applications, targeting mass production. The partnership aims to help automakers and Tier 1 suppliers deploy MIPI A-PHY technology more quickly, according to PCauto.
The joint development will integrate Valens' A-PHY connectivity into onsemi's image sensors, combining complementary expertise in high-speed connectivity and automotive imaging. The companies said the move strengthens the MIPI A-PHY ecosystem and provides automakers with a multi-supplier choice for the standard.
Why 3MP matters
Most automotive image sensors currently on the market fall in the 1MP to 3MP range. As automakers push toward higher resolutions, the 3MP segment covers a large existing market and offers significant upgrade potential, making it a key entry point for bringing A-PHY technology into mainstream production vehicles.
Yoram Salinger, CEO of Valens, called the collaboration "an important milestone for Valens, MIPI A-PHY, and the entire automotive ecosystem." He noted that the integrated, cost-effective 3MP product complements Valens' existing solutions and can expand A-PHY deployment to a wider range of applications. "Equally important, our collaboration with onsemi, another core A-PHY chip supplier, further completes the ecosystem and provides automakers with the multi-supplier options that an industry standard should have," he said.
Ahmed Salem, vice president and general manager of onsemi's Intelligent Sensing Group, said customer interest demonstrates the commercial opportunity for MIPI A-PHY. "As automotive imaging systems continue to scale and grow in complexity, customers need solutions that simplify design without sacrificing performance," he said. The partnership aims to create a streamlined camera architecture with fewer components and industry-standard compatibility, lowering the barrier to deploying advanced vision systems.
Standard push
MIPI A-PHY is the automotive industry's first high-speed sensor connectivity standard. Valens, a leader in the field, produced the world's first chipsets compliant with the standard and was the first company to secure design wins with multiple top European automakers using its VA7000 MIPI A-PHY chipset.
The collaboration marks a step toward broader adoption of A-PHY in mainstream vehicles, potentially reducing the cost and complexity of advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving technologies.
