LG Innotek develops automotive camera with integrated heater
LG Innotek’s heating camera module represents a significant leap forward in ensuring reliable and clear vision for autonomous vehicles, even in challenging weather conditions
1 March 2024 /UKi /IZZY WOOD -- Electronic component manufacturer LG Innotek announced on February 26 that it has successfully developed a high-performance heating camera module for autonomous vehicles, using ultra-precision optical design and technology. The company hopes to begin mass production in 2027.
The heating camera is made by mounting a heater on an ADAS camera. It heats the bottom of the lens to quickly eliminate snow and frost while consuming less power (up to 4W).
Image Source | (© anykeep | pixabay)
When frost or snow collects on the automotive lens, the lens fails to detect obstacles around the vehicle and is unable to obtain sharp images.
The camera uses positive temperature coefficient (PTC) materials, which are designed to reduce the amount of current when the temperature rises above a certain point and maintain the temperature in the appropriate range.
Using PTC materials, LG Innotek was able to mount a heater at the bottom of the lens – the optimal location for quickly removing snow and frost.
In a test conducted at -18°C, LG Innotek says the camera restored the resolution of a frozen lens to that of a room-temperature lens in just four minutes.
LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuksoo said, “LG Innotek will strengthen the autonomous sensing solution business by delivering differentiated customer value, including automotive camera modules, lidar and radars, building on our unrivaled camera module technology, and step up our efforts to engage in the future mobility parts market.”
