CMOS image sensing
Find out more about our global shutter pixels, large area image sensors, ultra-small imaging modules and line scan image sensors.
Global shutter pixels
Global shutter CMOS image sensors are used to capture and freeze a scene containing fast moving objects. All pixels are sampled at the same moment in time, producing an image free of distortion. By contrast, rolling shutter image sensors produce motion artefacts when capturing fast moving objects: this distortion is caused by the difference in the time of sampling for pixels at different locations in the sensor.
ams OSRAM owns IP for fabricating global shutter CMOS pixels that combine true correlated double sampling for low noise with excellent shutter efficiency. The IP is also compatible with backside illumination technology.
Large area image sensor
Large area image sensors are useful in applications such as aerial mapping, professional digital photography, scientific and space research, medical equipment and instrumentation.
Making sensors bigger than the size of the photolithographic reticle used in IC fabrication requires so-called 1D or 2D stitching. With stitching technology, ams OSRAM can make image sensors of up to wafer-scale. In cooperation with silicon foundries, ams OSRAM offers 1D and 2D stitching on 200mm and 300mm wafers fabricated with advanced image sensor process technologies.
Line scan image sensor
Line scan image sensors capture the image of only one or a few lines at a time. This concentration on a thin line enables the high-speed, high-resolution scanning of a moving object.
A line scan image sensor also requires very short integration times to freeze the image. The specialized architecture of the ams OSRAM line scan image sensors is optimized for reading out a few lines at very high speed and with ultra-low noise. An advantage of line scan sensors in continuous inspection systems is that data can be processed directly on a line-by-line basis: this means that the camera can process a large amount of data with a low memory capacity.
Ultra-small imaging modules
Ultra compact camera solutions for space constrained applications like medical endoscopes, consumer wearables or IoT devices. The modules combine the image sensor with lens stack and front glass into a tiny camera with digital interface for an easy integration.
Dedicated delivery forms with cable attachment for medical as well as bare modules for direct PCB mount for consumer ensure easy integration into the final application.