Global Shutter Image Sensor

Topics Launching the IMX927 Series of Global Shutter Image Sensor that Deliver High Resolution, High Speed, 105 MP, and 100 fps

Topics Global Shutter Image Sensor IMX925/935/926/936 Launched: High-Speed Processing, High Resolution, and C-Mount Compatibility

Overview

Pregius and Pregius S are Sony’s technological trademarks for a group of CMOS sensor global shutters and their peripheral technologies.

CMOS image sensors with Pregius and Pregius S technology are ideal for imaging inspections in machine vision and the smart industry that require the processing of a large volume of image data at high speed, as they make it possible to capture high-quality, undistorted images at high speeds.

These products also expand the scope of their applications from factory automation to other industrial imaging and sensing contexts, such as traffic monitoring and infrastructure inspection.

Features

Provides undistorted images of moving objects

Global shutters function enables the capturing of fast-moving objects without distortion. Texts are legible in images

Faster signal processing with lower noise

Our proprietary column A/D conversion circuit realizes both faster signal processing and lower noise. Enhancing the high-precision image inspection, it helps to improve on-site productivity in manufacturing

Realizing both higher definition and smaller size thanks to Pregius S technology

The back-illuminated pixel structure adopted in Pregius S global shutter technology has made both higher definition and smaller size a reality, on top of its non-distortion imaging functionality.This new structure has a superior light collection efficiency compared to the conventional front-illuminated structure and, while maintaining the levels of sensitivity and saturation capacity, achieved a reduction of the pixel size down to 2.74 µm square, about 63% of the conventional models.^*1　 In addition, rearranging the circuit area from the edges to the back of the sensor area has helped to achieve a 1.7-fold increase in resolution for the same optical size and reduce the package size to about 91% of the existing products.^*1

As a result, it can achieve a high-definition small-sized machine vision camera compatible with up to approx. 24.45 M effective pixels in a C-mount 1.2-type sensor, allowing more flexibility in its applications to systems and production lines.

*1) Compared to "IMX253" and "IMX531," Sony’s 1.1-type CMOS image sensors with 12.37 M effective pixels.

Fast readout of captured data

The high flexibility in the wiring layout offered by the back-illuminated pixel structure of Pregius S, combined with adoption of the proprietarily developed SLVS-EC interface with an embedded clock, enables high-resolution image data to be read at high speed and output efficiency. This potentially improves the takt time and throughput of the manufacturing systems or equipment.

As technologies such as USB 3.0 and 5 GigE become more prevalent, our standard 5 Gbps-compatible product range is enhanced by an extensive lineup of high-speed products for high-end cameras that use a high-speed band, improving the productivity significantly through reducing the time necessary for inspection, image recognition, identification, measurement, and other types of measurement and inspection.

Find out more about SLVS-EC

High definition imaging over a wide area

C-mount lens compatible image sensors are a standard option for industrial machines, but larger unit multi-pixel sensor will enable high-definition imaging of wider areas.
For example, a comparison between the images taken with 1.1” 12.37 M pixels sensor and one with 127.68 M pixels sensor clearly shows the difference. This will enable to lower capture frequency, which contributes to improved efficiency. It also enhances recognition accuracy by the high resolution imaging.

Sony offers two types of large CMOS image sensors for industrial applications: global shutter and rolling shutter. This video explains the differences and advantages of each.

Advantages of Large Format Global Shutter and Rolling Shutter Image Sensor

Product Lineup

Series Offerings by Application

To enhance efficiency in factories, logistics facilities, and many other environments by introducing industrial cameras into human processes, it is necessary to select cameras with image sensors appropriate to the intended use. Variables include image sensor pixel size and image quality.

In general, a larger number of pixels means larger chips and therefore a larger camera. Conversely, reducing pixel size to realize a smaller camera would compromise image quality as the restrained light collection area per pixel lowers sensitivity and signal saturation levels.

To tackle these dilemmas, Sony has been leveraging its superior technical expertise and developing a lineup of global shutter image sensors through the optimized balance of pixel size and imaging performance to cater to various uses. The table below summarizes the product features of each different series.

Series	5.8 Series	4.5 Series	3.4 Series	2.7 Series	2.7 UHS^*1 Series	2.2 Series
Pixel size	5.86 ㎛	4.5 ㎛^*2	3.45 ㎛^*3	2.74 ㎛	2.74 ㎛^*4	2.25 ㎛
Resolution (Megapixels)	2.3	0.5 - 7.1	0.4 - 128	5.1 - 24.5	12.4 - 105	3.2
Sensor size	Type 1/1.2	Type 1/1.7 - Type 1.1	Type 1/2.9 - Type 3.6	Type 1/1.8 - Type 1.4	Type 1/1.1 - Type 2.5	Type 1/3.1
Output interface	Sub-LVDS	SLVS, SLVS-EC	Sub-LVDS, SLVS-EC, MIPI	SLVS, SLVS-EC, MIPI	SLVS-EC	SLVS, MIPI
Features	Large pixel size offers high sensitivity and high SNR	Large pixel size and conversion efficiency switching function provide a high SNR across a wide illuminance range	Diverse usage Industry-standard model	Ideal for high-definition photography High speed and high resolution	High-resolution model with improved high-speed capability	Compact and high resolution Excellent incident light angle dependency High sensitivity in the NIR region
Product lineup	View product lineup for 5.8 Series	View product lineup for 4.5 Series	View product lineup for 3.4 Series	View product lineup for 2.7 Series	View product lineup for 2.7 UHS Series	View product lineup for 2.2 Series

*1) Ultra High Speed
*2) Exceptionally, 9.0μm models are available (IMX425/426/432/433)
*3) Exceptionally, 6.9μm models are available (IMX287/297)
*4) Exceptionally, 5.48μm models are available (IMX947/949)

• The 5.8 Series boasts exceptional sensitivity and a high S/N ratio with its 5.86 μm pixel.
• The 4.5 Series offers 4.5 μm pixels with a conversion efficiency switching function, enabling images that capture both bright and dark areas even under high-contrast conditions.
• The 3.4 Series comes with 3.45 μm pixels, offering well-balanced specifications between pixel sizes and resolutions. It is a standard model for industrial image sensors and suits various usages. Its rich lineup means you are sure to find a product ideal for your purposes.
• The 2.7 Series implements Pregius S, the latest structural technology, in a stacked CMOS image sensor with 2.74 μm pixels. These small and high-resolution sensors can capture high-definition images of fast-moving targets.
• The 2.7 UHS^*1 Series offers stacked image sensors with 2.74 μm pixels, optimized for high-speed and high-resolution thanks to Pregius S, the same structural technology implemented in the 2.7 Series. A wide range of small to large products featuring high power consumption efficiency is available. The diverse product lineup allows you to choose a product suited to the application.
• The 2.2 Series has a 2.25 µm pixel size and is compact yet offers high resolution, enabling high-speed, high-definition photography. Its advanced stack structure gives it excellent incident light angle dependency and better sensitivity in the NIR region.

These image sensors are used not only in manufacturing but also in an extensive range of other industries and applications, including logistics, aerial photography, and infrastructure inspection. Sony makes it possible with a rich lineup of products to dramatically advance processes in diverse sectors.

Product lineup

Download

Global Shutter Image Sensors for Industrial Use
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