Optical centering (boresight) is crucial in automotive camera module assembly for ADAS systems, yet often overlooked. This process aligns the lens’s optical axis with the image sensor center, preventing asymmetric distortion, inconsistent image quality, and uneven field of view across the image.

A misalignment of just 100μm can cause over one degree of field of view difference. While image cropping can compensate for misalignment, this reduces image size and complicates ADAS image processing algorithms.

The primary challenge lies in achieving targeting perfectly perpendicular to the image sensor. Current industry approaches include precise mechanical tolerancing, “sensor align” methods (using the lens as a reference point), and center of distortion alignment. Sensor align faces challenges in lens datum tolerancing, targeting alignment, and housing design. Center of distortion alignment offers advantages for cameras with significant distortion without requiring camera module redesign.

Proper optical centering ensures consistent, high-quality images essential for automotive safety applications.