Sony’s rolling global shutter CMOS image sensors are renowned for their low noise performance. While controlling the noise within the pixels that handle photoelectric conversion, they also perform two rounds of noise removal, before and after A/D conversion, providing clear images with less noise even at the same number of pixels, thereby contributing to low-noise camera design.

High Sensitivity

The secondary characteristic of Sony’s rolling shutter image sensors is their high sensitivity. The back-illuminated structure allows them to take more light into the photodiodes than image sensors with a front-illuminated structure, achieving higher sensitivity. Some of our rolling global shutter CMOS image sensors are outfitted with highly sensitive STARVIS technology,* which is renowned even for its use in security cameras.

* Image sensors with STARVIS technology (industrial-use, monochrome): IMX455ALK-K, IMX571BLR-J, IMX226CLJ, IMX533CLK,IMX335LLN

Large Image Sensor Lineup

C-mount lens compatible image sensors are a standard option for industrial machines, but larger unit multi-pixel sensors will enable high-definition imaging of wider areas.

Our lineup of rolling global shutter CMOS image sensors includes large image sensors of more than 35 mm in size. For example, comparing a 1-type with 9 million pixels (the IMX533) and a 4.2-type with 151 million pixels (the IMX411), the latter can cover about 17 times the area as the former, even at the same pixel size. While using a large image sensor results in a bigger camera, it also leads to better productivity through reduced imaging frequency and better recognition accuracy through high resolution.

Features

Equipped with Global Shutter Capable of High-speed and Undistorted Photography

With the structure specially designed for the properties of the UV wavelengths coupled with Pregius S technology, the image sensor can capture undistorted images of moving objects within a UV range of 200–400 nm and at a high frame rate of 193 fps (operated in the 10-bit mode). This image sensor has a potential to expand the scope of application from the conventional use of UV cameras in the inspection of semiconductors, etc. to areas that require high-speed capability, such as sorting of recycled materials.

Achieving High-resolution and Low-noise Photography

The Sony Image Sensor has adopted the component materials dedicated for UV range imaging, and a special structure has been developed for its light receiving area. These make it possible to maintain high UV sensitivity while significantly minimizing noises to produce high quality images.

Huge Number of Pixels to Cover Versatile Applications

The pixels are miniaturized down to 2.74 um while maintaining high UV sensitivity, realizing a small multi-pixel sensor of the 2/3 type with approximately 8.13 megapixels. It serves well with factory automation, but also for many other purposes, notably for outdoor use for infrastructure inspections, by virtue of its portability and high resolution.

What is UV?

The diagram below is a simplified illustration of the light spectrum. Ultraviolet (UV) has shorter wavelengths than visible light, typically ranging between 10–400 nm. IMX487 covers the range between 200–400 nm, which is the UV range suitable for industrial applications.

NEW! SPAD ToF Depth Sensor - Learn More!

Features

• dToF and iToF Sensors - dToF sensors are capable of measurement over long distances and iToF sensors offer high speed and high image resolution
• Direct ToF (dToF) - This type of sensor measures the time between the emission of light and detection of the reflected light. It uses single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) pixels, detecting even low levels of light. This allows for accurate measurement of distant objects.
• Indirect ToF (iToF) - This type of sensor measures distances by accumulating the electric charge generated by the reflected light in each pixel and detecting any phase differences from the time of emission of light. It uses a conventional CMOS image sensor structure and can capture high-resolution 3D images even with a compact size.