Arm launches new generation of image signal processors

Arm, a semiconductor and software design company, today announced the launch of a new generation of image signal processors (ISPs), in response to the demand for real-time higher image quality in IoT devices: the Arm Mali-C52 and Mali-C32 ISPs.

The new Arm Mali-C52 and Mali-C32 apply over twenty-five processing steps to each pixel, of which three critical ones deliver key differentiation in terms of image output quality. These include high-dynamic range (HDR), noise reduction and color management. By incorporating Arm’s market-leading Iridix technology and other industry-leading algorithms for noise and color management, Mali-C52 and Mali-C32 ISPs efficiently deliver all three at high resolution and in real-time (e.g. 4k resolution at 60fps).

The new Mali ISPs, with Arm’s dynamic range management and tone mapping technology, are also designed to overcome device limitations with respect to high-dynamic range (HDR) needs and enable viewers to see enhanced shadows, without touching or changing the highlights of the image.

A complete and flexible solution for faster time-to-market

The Mali-C52 can be configured for two different optimizations - image quality or area. This flexibility allows our silicon partners to use the same IP and software across a range of products and use cases. The Mali-C32 is optimized specifically for area in lower-power, cost-sensitive embedded vision devices such as entry-level access control or hobby drones.

Both ISPs are a complete solution as Arm delivers the hardware IP along with ISP software drivers, including the 3A libraries (auto-exposure, auto-white balance, auto-focus) and the calibration and tuning tools. Features and benefits include:

• Higher ISP image quality: Iridix technology is designed to deliver a precise model of human retina contrast adaption, enabling cameras tosee like the human eye.
• Higher performance as the ISP can process 600 megapixels/sec, which is essentially professional photography quality (e.g. DSLR) at premium smartphone-level frame rates.
• Complete software package for controlling the ISP, sensor, auto-white balance, auto-focus and auto-exposure. Both bare metal and Linux (Video4Linux framework - v4L2) software are provided.
• Flexible tuning: Tune it both objectively and subjectively with a full set of tuning and calibration tools. Specialized tuning training courses and support for tailored tuning for specific use cases and sensors are also available.

One trillion devices require a sharp digital eye

“Arm’s vision to enable one trillion devices needs vision. Specifically, achieving our vision of a world of a trillion connected devices will require a sharper digital eye for many of those devices to see and understand their environments in order to be reliable sources of information to both machines and humans. This all starts with enabling the highest possible image quality, and the new Mali ISPs that Arm is making available to the market today will deliver it.” - Thomas Ensergueix, senior director of embedded, Embedded & Automotive Line of Business, Arm