Pixelplus supplies SVM SoC for Japanese automobile 

Surround view monitor (SVM) system-on-a-chip (SoC) made by South Korean fabless company Pixelplus has been installed on a Japan-made automobile, TheElec has learned.

The company supplied in September last yearthe SoC, model name PI5008K, that supports SVM and rear camera along with an image sensor to a Taiwanese automobile component supplier.

The Taiwanese company installs SVM system on car brands through port installation orders (PIO) before they are exported to Southeast Asia.

PI5008K combines four HDR image signal processors and four analog HDRx. It supports f-channel video input. 

Pixelplus’ export to Taiwan in the fourth quarter was double its average accumulated sales from January to September thanks to the chip supply, a company spokesperson said.

The Taiwanese company is planning to install the SoCs into another Japanese car brand starting this year that will increase Pixelplus’ export to India and the Middle East, the spokesperson said.

Pixelplus recorded 39 billion won in sales in 2020, a 10.6% increase from 2019. It recorded operating income of 800 million won, its first profit since 2015. China accounted for 55% of its sales, followed 25% from Taiwan.

The company entered the automobile market in 2010. It has been supplying CMOS image sensors and image signal processors for block boxes and rear cameras in automobiles.

In 2018, Pixelplus developed HDR image sensor, SVM controller and automotive image signal processors. It begin earning sales from SVM in 2019. 

As of the third quarter last year, image sensors accounted for 76% of the company’s sales. Pixelplus is hoping SVM will contribute more for its sales going forward.