SmartSens Launches Upgraded 1.3MP Automotive-grade CMOS Image Sensor with Enhanced Performance

Shanghai, China, April 9, 2026 SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (SSE STAR MARKET: 688213), a technologically advanced CMOS image sensor supplier, recently announced the launch of SC126AT, an upgraded 1.3MP automotive-grade CMOS image sensor. Built on CARSens^®-XR Plus technology platform with a single-pixel architecture, SC126AT incorporates proprietary technologies including SFCPixel^® and PixGain HDR^® to deliver high sensitivity, high dynamic range and low noise, along with an integrated on-chip ISP. As a newly launched automotive-grade CMOS image sensor, SC126AT balances performance and cost effectiveness while complying with ISO 26262 ASIL-B automotive functional safety standard. It is well-suited for surround-view and rear-view camera applications, meeting the demands for performance upgrades and functional safety configurations in these applications.

Main Features

Higher Sensitivity

Leveraging CARSens®-XR Plus technology platform and a single-pixel architecture, SC126AT utilizes proprietary SFCPixel® technology to deliver a significant boost in light sensitivity. The sensor achieves a peak quantum efficiency (QE) of 83% at 520nm in the visible light spectrum, an improvement of approximately 11% over its predecessor. This enables SC126AT to produce clear and vivid images for automotive cameras even in challenging low-light scenarios such as nighttime driving and underground parking lots.

Higher Dynamic Range

Built on SmartSens’ PixGain HDR^® and VS three-frame HDR technology, SC126AT achieves a maximum dynamic range of 120dB. This preserves richer details in both highlights and shadows under extreme lighting conditions, such as tunnel entrances and underground parking lot entrances and exits, where bright and dark areas contrast sharply. As a result, SC126AT enables automotive cameras to capture clear high-dynamic-range videos with excellent fidelity.

Comprehensive Performance Optimization

As a high-performance automotive-grade CMOS image sensor manufactured through a fully domestic process, SC126AT is built on SmartSens' advanced CARSens^®-XR Plus platform. Integrating SFCPixel^® technology and an ultra-low-noise peripheral readout circuit, the sensor achieves notable advancements in noise suppression and high-temperature imaging performance, while also supporting an on-chip ISP. At maximum gain, SC126AT delivers a read noise (RN) of 0.69e- and a fixed pattern noise (FPN) of 0.06e-, with FPN reduced by about 57% compared to the previous generation, ensuring clearer and cleaner image capture in low-light environments. Meanwhile, SC126AT’s dark current (DC) at 80°C is reduced by approximately 41% compared to the previous generation, providing more stable and sharp imaging for automotive cameras even at elevated temperatures. The integrated on-chip ISP features built-in algorithms including auto white balance (AWB) and noise reduction, covering the full image processing pipeline across RAW, RGB, and YUV domains. This enables comprehensive optimization of color accuracy and noise, delivering high-definition imagery ideally suited for surround-view and rear-view camera applications.

Expanding High-Performance Automotive CIS Portfolio

As the latest addition to SmartSens' high-performance automotive CIS series, SC126AT achieves an optimal balance of performance and cost effectiveness. Together with the previously launched SC226AT and SC326AT, it forms a more complete portfolio of high-performance CIS solutions covering surround-view, front-view, and rear-view automotive camera applications. This offers customers a diverse range of reliable, high-quality imaging options for automotive vision systems.

SC126AT is now available for sampling, with mass production scheduled for Q2 2026. For more information, please contact SmartSens Sales Representatives: cs@smartsenstech.com

About SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (SSE STAR MARKET: 688213) is a high-performance CMOS image sensor (CIS) chip design company. It is headquartered in Shanghai and has research centers in many cities around the world. SmartSens has been dedicated to advancing the frontier of imaging technology and growing in popularity among customers since it was established. SmartSens’ CMOS image sensors provide advanced imaging solutions for a broad range of areas such as surveillance, machine vision, automotive and cellphone cameras. SmartSens is committed to continuous product innovation and to fueling growth in numerous industries by delivering a more comprehensive portfolio of image sensors. Learn more at SmartSensTech.com.