3D Sensing Technology to Drive CMOS Camera Module R&D

More consumer electronics and automotive applications are expected to drive adoption of this depth-sensing innovation.

High ISO, high dynamic range, and sharp, quick image capture are all required in today’s CMOS camera modules, especially for mobile electronics and automotive applications. In the coming years, 3D depth-sensing will be a standard part of this mix.

This breakthrough “mimics the human visual system using optical technology,” as FutureBridge describes it, and has been in use in gaming devices for some time, enabling gesture control. In advanced driver assistance systems, 3D sensing allows people and object detection, and access to on-board controls.

The widening adoption of 3D technology is already driving its market. From 2015 to 2021, it posted an average annual growth of up to 35 percent after realizing $1.25 billion in 2015 and $7.89 billion in 2021, according to Zion Market Research. High demand in AR/VR, auto-pilot and robotics fields is expected to continue fueling this upward trend and push the market toward $20 billion in the next two or three years.

In China, this upbeat global outlook has already attracted many suppliers into venturing into 3D camera module production. They include Jimi and Orbbec.

CMOS camera module market reach

CMOS camera modules have a steadily growing global market. They are forecast to hit $45.7 billion by 2024, registering a CAGR of 9.1 percent from $27.1 billion in 2018, according to Yole Développment.

Smartphone, automotive and security applications are the top growth drivers. Worldwide shipments of CMOS camera modules for smartphones are estimated to have reached 5.02 billion units in 2022, rising by 5 percent YoY, based on a report by TrendForce.

China’s market for this category was valued at $4.86 billion in 2015 and $8.6 billion in 2020 for a 12.12 percent CAGR, according to Chinese market research firm Huaon. Rising demand from the consumer electronics and automotive sectors will ensure sustained growth in the next two years.

Key manufacturing base

A major production base for CMOS camera modules, China has hundreds of suppliers, including those from overseas such as Lite-On, LG Innotek and Cowell. Two-thirds of this pool are small and midsize Chinese enterprises, while the top players with global standing include Sunny, Ofilm, Q Tech and Huiber Vision. Sunny ranks second to tier-one LG Innotek.

Many domestic companies also manufacture other optical products, with CMOS camera modules accounting for 20 to 60 percent of total shipments, according to suppliers interviewed by Global Sources. Exporters send their 30 to 80 percent products mainly to Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Others like Shenzhen CCDCAM Technology Co. Ltd allocate their output entirely for overseas markets.

More than half of China-based suppliers are operating in Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhongshan, and the rest are spread over Suzhou, Kunshan, Changzhou and Hangzhou.

China-made CMOS camera modules

Chinese companies mainly offer entry-level and midrange products with high definition and reliability, low power dissipation and competitive pricing for smartphones, automotive applications and security systems.

These CMOS camera modules are mostly available in COB and CSP configurations for the entry-level market, and flip-chip for the high end. Companies use active alignment technology in high-definition modules.

Units with resolutions of 640x480, 800x600, 1280x720, 1280x960, 1920x920, 1920x1080 and 1600x1200 pixels can be readily sourced. These usually have a 12/24V operating voltage and -10 to 50 C operating temperature. Other specifications can be made, depending on the requirements.

Manufacturers typically use CMOS image sensors from key foreign companies, such as Sony, Samsung, STMicroelectronics and ON Semiconductor, in midrange and high-end products.

They also purchase this component from top Chinese providers, including Omnivision, GalaxyCore and SmartSens. GalaxyCore, which focuses on the entry-level market, was the leading supplier in 2021, having shipped 2.2 billion units or 32 percent of the world’s total, according to Sohu News.

Lens sets, VCM drivers, voice coil motors and other components are sourced domestically or overseas, depending on buyers’ requirements.

CMOS image sensors account for over half of the production cost of camera modules. Their costs, along with that of other manufacturing inputs, have not fluctuated much over the past year and will likely remain stable in the coming months.

Some companies, however, might continue to reduce prices of the camera modules, especially those marketed in the entry-level segment, to win more orders amid stiff competition.