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CMOS Image Sensor Basics: Technology, Applications, and Manufacturers

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This page provides a basic overview of CMOS image sensors, including an application note and a list of CMOS image sensor manufacturers/vendors. There are two primary types of image sensors: CCD and CMOS.

CCD stands for Charge-Coupled Device, and CMOS stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor. These are distinct technologies used to capture images in digital form. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different applications.

Let’s examine the similarities and differences between CCD and CMOS image sensors, focusing on how these technologies function. Both types of image sensors rely on the photoelectric effect to convert received light into an electrical signal.

Both types of image sensors convert light into an electric charge, which is then processed into electronic signals.

CCD and CMOS image sensor

In a CCD image sensor, the charge from each pixel is transferred through a limited number of output nodes. This charge is then converted to voltage, buffered, and transmitted from the chip as an analog signal. Often, there may be only one output node. All pixels in a CCD image sensor are dedicated to light capture, resulting in high output uniformity.

In contrast, in a CMOS image sensor, each pixel has its own charge-to-voltage conversion functionality. These sensors often include amplifiers, noise correction circuits, and digitization circuits. As a result, this type of chip delivers digital bits directly.

CMOS Image Sensor Application Note

Here are some specifications of a CMOS image sensor from ON Semiconductor:

  • Model No: AR0136AT
  • Resolution: 1280 X 960
  • BSI pixels: 3.75 micron
  • Dynamic range: 128 dB (HDR mode)
  • Output pixel rate: 74.25 MP per second
  • Frame rate: 45 fps (Frames per Second) @ 960 pixels resolution, 60 fps @ 720 pixels resolution

CMOS Image Sensor Manufacturers/Vendors

Here are some popular CMOS image sensor developers, vendors, and manufacturers:

  • ON Semiconductor
  • Axis Communications
  • Olympus America Inc.
  • Teledyne DALSA Inc.
  • ST Microelectronics
  • TOSHIBA Semiconductor
  • DigiKey

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