Nov 30 2010
CMOSIS has launched a new image sensor that offers dynamic range of 89.5 dB, by using dual-gain pixels. The one megapixel sensor has the ability to achieve the highest dynamic range in two methods.
One of the ways is a low dark noise of below 3.4 electrons for capacity of 100,000 electrons. Another way is that the image charge integration happens at high as well as low amplification, at the same time, through two individual amplifiers. As a result of this dual-gain read out, two images are produced and delivered out sequentially. The two images are then combined into a single, final image, externally.
As the sensor has dual-gain pixel, it has double the number of column amplifiers when compared to columns. The amplification factors can be programmed at 1x – 6x. The image sensor features a serial interface to set the selection registers for internal parameter. The device is also offered with multiplexers to choose the column, and change the analogue signals into an output circuit with three stages.
The possible applications of the sensor include medical diagnostics, microscopy, industrial image processing, scene monitoring, astronomy, and X-ray radiography.