Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute Develop CMOS Sensors for High-Thermal Imaging

The researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems have advanced a CMOS chip, which is capable of working even in extreme temperatures within a range of ¨C40 to +115 ¡ãC that helps in car parking or for use in quality control processes in the production devices.

Werner Brockherde, head of the Department of Optical Sensor Systems, Fraunhofer IMS explained that their sensor is operative at both high-temperature and arctic temperature conditions.

The researchers could successfully design the pixel that can produce ultra-low current in darkness thus generating superior images even at high-temperatures. Brockherde stated that the enhancement of even an 8 ¡ãC temperature will increase the current in the darkness producing ghosting and degraded images and lowering the dynamics.

The image size of the unique sensor is 2.5 cm ¡Á 2.5 cm and this helps in the direct coupling of the device to an image amplifier for trapping images in the UV or IR spectrum. The resolution of the imager is in the range of 256 ¡Á 256 pixels, and its intense range or exposure heights of 90 dB furnishes enhanced contrast and modified precision in dark and bright zones.

The CMOS sensors operate effectively on the cameras with synchronic and asynchronic shutters. The synchronic shutter can eliminate blurred movements while capturing speedy motions. The constant image capturing is made possible with extended frame rates in the rolling shutter model reducing image disturbances.

According to Brockherde the sensor is based on a 0.5 ¦Ìm CMOS technology and apart from its utility in the automotive sectors, it can also be deployed in steel and chemical manufacturing units for quality control processes.