Most automotive image sensors sit in the 1 to 3 megapixel range, according to Valens Semiconductor and onsemi. That is the market the two companies have just agreed to go after together, with a sensor that has MIPI A-PHY connectivity built in.
The collaboration agreement was announced on 22 September 2026. Valens (NYSE: VLN) will work with onsemi (NASDAQ: ON) to fold its A-PHY technology directly into onsemi’s 3MP image sensors, aimed at high-volume camera applications where cost matters. The target customers are automakers and Tier 1 suppliers.
Fewer parts in the camera
As ever, the detail that matters is what disappears from the bill of materials. Putting A-PHY inside the sensor cuts the number of separate components in an automotive camera system. Ahmed Salem, vice president and general manager of onsemi’s Intelligent Sensing Group, described the aim as “a more streamlined camera architecture that reduces component count, supports industry standards, and ultimately makes advanced vision systems easier to deploy.”
He also said the interest from OEM customers and partners shows that A-PHY is a significant business opportunity. And as imaging systems grow in scale and sophistication, he added, customers want designs that are simpler without losing performance.
Why 3MP
The companies see 3MP as the entry point. It covers the established middle of the market and also serves automakers moving up to higher-resolution cameras, which makes it a natural way to get A-PHY into mainstream vehicles. A-PHY itself is the industry standard for high-speed sensor connectivity in cars, with high-speed operation, strong electromagnetic resilience and long reach among its selling points.
Valens already has design wins with several automotive OEMs for its VA7000 A-PHY chipsets. The onsemi deal extends that approach from standalone chipsets to connectivity inside the sensor.
Yoram Salinger, Valens’ chief executive, called it “a major milestone for Valens, MIPI A-PHY and for the automotive ecosystem as a whole.” The 3MP offering, he said, complements Valens’ existing products and takes A-PHY to a much broader range of uses. Working with onsemi, another major supplier of A-PHY silicon, also gives automakers the supplier choice they expect from an industry standard.
Sources
- Valens Semiconductor and onsemi Partner to Develop Integrated 3MP Automotive Camera Sensor
- Valens Semiconductor Teams Up with onsemi on Price-Appealing MIPI A-PHY Compliant Imaging Solution
- Valens, onsemi Collaborate on Cost-Optimised A-PHY Solution for 3MP Automotive Cameras
