Archives for January 2021

Color Filters for 0.255um Pixels

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

OSA Optics Express paper "Absorptive metasurface color filters based on hyperbolic metamaterials for a CMOS image sensor" by Jongwoo Hong, Hyunwoo Son, Changhyun Kim, Sang-Eun Mun, Jangwoon Sung, and Byoungho Lee from Seoul National University shows a possibility of a straight Bayer pattern with 0.255um pixels. By straight Bayer, I mean no 2x2, 3x3 or similar color grouping.

"Metasurface color filters (MCFs) have attracted considerable attention thanks to their compactness and functionality as a candidate of an optical element in a miniaturized image sensor. However, conventional dielectric and plasmonic MCFs that have focused on color purity and efficiency cannot avoid reflection in principle, which degrades image quality by optical flare. Here, we introduce absorptive-type MCFs through truncated-cone hyperbolic metamaterial absorbers. By applying a particle swarm optimization method to design multiple parameters simultaneously, the proposed MCF is theoretically and numerically demonstrated in perceptive color on CIELAB and CIEDE2000 with suppressed-reflection. Then, a color filter array is numerically proven in 255 nm of sub-pixel pitch."

The work is supported by the Samsung University R&D program.

Go to the original article...

Reference for Column-Parallel Sigma-Delta ADC

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Ams and University of Madeira, Portugal, publish a MDPI paper "Reference Power Supply Connection Scheme for Low-Power CMOS Image Sensors Based on Incremental Sigma-Delta Converters" by Luis Miguel Carvalho Freitas and Fernando Morgado-Dias.

"Modern Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors, aimed to target low-noise and fast digital outputs, are fundamentally based on column-parallel structures, jointly designed with oversampling column converters. The typical choice for the employed column converters is the incremental sigma-delta structures, which intrinsically perform the correlated multiple sampling, creating an averaging effect over the system thermal noise when used in conjunction with 4T-pinned pixels. However, these types of column converters are known to be power-hungry, especially if the imaging device needs to target high frame rate levels as well. In this sense, the aim of this paper was to address the excess of power dissipation problem that arises from image sensors while employing oversampling high-order incremental converters, by means of using a different connection scheme to supply and to drive the required reference signals across the image sensor on-chip column converters. The proposed connection scheme revealed to be fully functional with no unwanted artifacts in the imager output response, allowing it to avoid 20% to 50% of the power dissipation, relative to the classical on-chip references generation and driving method. Furthermore, this solution allows for a much less complicated and less crowded printed circuit board (PCB) system."

Go to the original article...

Microsoft Partners with D3 Engineering, Leopard Imaging, and SICK to Deploy its ToF Technology in Industrial Applications

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

D3 Engineering announces its collaboration with Microsoft’s Azure Depth Platform program, setup to provide access to Microsoft’s ToF technology to a 3rd party ecosystem. This technology, developed for use in Hololens and Kinect, will allow D3 Engineering to create embedded spatial sensing systems, and deliver customized depth camera modules for camera makers and other OEMs. Further, by integrating with Microsoft’s Azure cloud-based learning and algorithms, the technology can be leveraged to increase effectiveness.

Microsoft’s advanced Time of Flight technology is highly desirable in a whole host of applications beyond the previous successful use cases in Gaming and Mixed Reality,” said Tom Mayo, Product Manager for Spatial Sensing at D3 Engineering. “D3 Engineering is excited to bring our extensive experience in embedded sensing systems design to provide solutions based on Microsoft’s technology. In our collaboration with Microsoft, we look forward to creating new, innovative sensing solutions for our customers.”  

D3 Engineering’s unique advantages include a U.S.-based design and engineering team as well as expertise in design and integration with ToF, radar, optics, and motion control.

We welcome D3 Engineering as Microsoft’s partner in solving customer challenges using our 3D sensing technology and Azure,” said Daniel Bar, head of business incubation for the Silicon & Sensor’s group at Microsoft. “Their experience in embedded system development and understanding of our platform combined with our Computer Vision and AI expertise will help democratize cloud connected 3D cameras.

PRNewswire: Leopard Imaging announces its collaboration with Microsoft's Azure Depth Platform program, aimed at democratizing cloud-connected 3D vision. In this collaboration, Leopard Imaging is developing 3D industrial cameras, which can securely connect with Azure Intelligent Edge and Intelligent Cloud platforms for a broad set of technologies and industry solutions. 

"Leopard Imaging is adopting Microsoft's ToF because of its clear advantages over competing technologies—providing high quality data with low artifacts, higher accuracy, lower jitter, and low power. By powering 3D camera solutions with Microsoft ToF, we want to stay competitive and continue to lead in this space. This collaboration will accelerate our growth and provide powerful solutions for our valued customers," says Bill Pu, President and Co-Founder of Leopard Imaging.

"Microsoft's collaboration with Leopard Imaging, as part of the Azure Depth Platform program, will light up 3D applications in new industrial scenarios and foster cloud connected innovation," said Cyrus Bamji, Partner Hardware Architect at Microsoft.

Earlier, Microsoft also announced a partnership with SICK on industrial ToF cameras:

SICK’s latest industrial 3DToF camera Visionary-T Mini is expected to be available for sales in early 2021. Visionary-T Mini incorporates a version of Microsoft’s 3D ToF technology with an extended dynamic range and a resolution of ~510 x 420 pixels. It will offer on-device processing infrastructure and tools not currently available with Azure Kinect DK, to include, but not limited to: 24/7 robustness, industrial interfaces, enhanced resolution with sharper depth images and enhanced depth quality. 

Cyrus Bamji also started a blog series about ToF technology.

Go to the original article...

Smartsens Starts IPO Preparations

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

SecuritiesDaily: The official website of the Shanghai Securities Regulatory Bureau disclosed that Smartsesn has submitted listing guidance and filing information and plans to IPO on the Science and Technology Innovation Board.  The announcement states that the company has started listing preparations on January 22, 2021.

Go to the original article...

Worthy Survey?

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

University of Bridgeport, CT, and William Paterson University, NJ, publish a 50-page MDPI paper "CMOS Image Sensors in Surveillance System Applications" by Susrutha Babu Sukhavasi, Suparshya Babu Sukhavasi, Khaled Elleithy, Shakour Abuzneid, and Abdelrahman Elleithy. I wonder if somebody finds any use for this paper:
  • We have conducted the first state-of-the-art comprehensive survey on CIS from an applications’ perspective in different predominant fields, which was not done before.
  • A novel taxonomy has been introduced by us in which work is classified in terms of CIS models, applications, and design characteristics, as shown in Figure 1 and Appendix A Table A1.
  • We have noted the limitations and future directions and related works are highlighted.

Go to the original article...

Brigates Cancels its IPO Plans

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

HQEW reports that Brigates' (Ruixin Microelectronics) 1.347 billion yuan IPO plan has been scrapped.

"According to news on the official website of the Shanghai Stock Exchange on January 27, the Shanghai Stock Exchange has decided to terminate the review of the initial public offering of shares of Ruixin Microelectronics Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Ruixin Micro") and listing on the Science and Technology Innovation Board."

Go to the original article...

trinamiX Introduces Behind OLED 3D Imaging Solution

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

NewswireToday, VentureBeat: trinamiX announces that its 3D imaging solution for secure face authentication now also works behind OLED displays of mobile devices.

trinamiX captures not only a 2D picture and a 3D depth map of the face, but also checks for “live skin” to recognize liveness in real-time. Spoofing the unlock system of a smartphone with a realistic full-face mask, 3D sculpture or even a detailed 2D printout becomes virtually impossible.

The hardware consists of just a standard CMOS sensor and a NIR light projector. The complete system can be mounted behind the smartphone display. The previously required smartphone notch is made obsolete.

We are very pleased to usher in this new era together with the smartphone OEMs,“ says Stefan Metz, Director 3D Imaging at trinamiX. “With our technology, users will no longer have to compromise as they benefit from the most secure privacy protection without sacrificing a user-friendly all-screen display.

Trinamix currently has 150 employees.

We focus on material classification for smartphones,” Metz said. “That means we can tell if it is human skin or something else, like plastic.


Go to the original article...

Eric Fossum, ON Semi, and Kodak Win Emmy Award

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Dartmouth: US National Academy of Television announces 2021 Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards. The Award for Invention and Pioneering Development of Intra-Pixel Charge Transfer CMOS Image Sensors goes to:
  • Eric Fossum
  • ON Semiconductor
  • Eastman Kodak

Go to the original article...

Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR review so far

Cameralabs        Go to the original article...

The Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 R WR is a compact ‘pancake’ prime lens for Fujifilm’s X-series mirrorless cameras, on which it delivers roughly 40mm equivalent coverage for a natural standard field-of-view. It’s an updated version of the 2013 model, now with weather sealing and an aperture ring.…

Go to the original article...

Fujifilm XE4 review so far

Cameralabs        Go to the original article...

The Fujifilm X-E4 is a mid-range mirrorless camera aimed at those who want the quality and lenses of the X-system in a compact body. Like earlier models in the X-E series, the X-E4 features a rangefinder-styled body with an electronic viewfinder built-into the corner, with upgrades including the latest 26 Megapixel X-Trans IV sensor and a tilting screen that can face-forward. Check out my preview!…

Go to the original article...

Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 review so far

Cameralabs        Go to the original article...

The Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 is a telephoto zoom lens for Fujifilm’s X-series mirrorless cameras. It slots between the existing XF 55-200mm f3.5-4.8 and the XF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6, has weather-sealing and optical stabilisation. Find out more in my preview.…

Go to the original article...

Fujifilm GFX 100S review so far

Cameralabs        Go to the original article...

The Fujifilm GFX 100S is a medium format mirrorless camera with 100 Megapixels, built-in stabilisation and 4k video. This fourth model in the GFX series inherits the sensor from the flagship GFX 100 but packs it into a more compact and much more affordable body, pitching it closer to full-frame models and making it the most attractive GFX to date. Find out more in my preview!…

Go to the original article...

Yole on Machine Vision Market

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Yole Developpement publishes a report "The industrial vision market matters, and the ecosystem is reconfiguring."

"The supply chain of key image sensor components has centralized. Yole estimates that the top five camera players have 53% market share in industrial cameras. The top three image sensor players have more than 78% market share.

As software further improves camera function, leading players like Cognex and Basler have acquired software companies to strengthen their competitiveness. Smaller players are merging and gradually becoming larger players, for example TKH Group has merged many smaller camera players.

There have also been strong alliances, including upstream and downstream mergers to become giants, such as the recent Teledyne acquisition of FLIR. We have also seen some Chinese players come to the surface, such as Hikrobot, Huaray, and Imavision. They have grown by absorbing the technology of external players. As global manufacturing shifts to China, the Chinese machine vision market will be huge. Chinese machine vision players will therefore become important to watch in this market."

Go to the original article...

Gpixel Starts a Line of Charge-Domain TDI Sensors

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Gpixel announces the first sensor in a new family of line scan CMOS sensors supporting true charge-domain time delay integration (TDI). GLT5009BSI is a BSI, TDI image sensor with 5 um pixels and 9072 pixel horizontal resolution. The sensor has two photosensitive bands, 256 stages and 32 stages respectively, enabling a HDR mode.

GLT5009BSI’s 5 um pixel provides a full well capacity of 16 ke- and noise of 8 e- which delivers more than 66 dB DR. Read out of the image data is achieved through 86 pairs of sub-LVDS channels at a combined maximum data rate of 72.58 Gbps. This output architecture supports line rates up to 600 kHz using 10-bit single band mode, 300 kHz using 12-bit single band mode.

The length of the photosensitive area is 45.36 mm and the sensor is assembled in a 269 pin uPGA package.

With the launch of the first sensor in the GLT family, Gpixel is able to address a new segment of applications requiring higher speed and more sensitivity than can be achieved with existing line scan products. We are excited to bring this high-end technology to our customers enabling them to address these demanding applications,” says Wim Wuyts, CCO of Gpixel.

GLT5009BSI engineering samples can be ordered now for delivery in March, 2021.

Go to the original article...

ams Announces 13.8MP and 8MP Global Shutter Sensors

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

BusinessWire: ams introduces the CSG family of image sensors for industrial vision equipment which achieves higher resolution at very high frame rates. The new CSG14K and CSG8K sensors are supplied in – respectively – a 1” or a 1/1.1” optical format.

The CSG14K is a global shutter image sensor that combines resolution of 13.8MP with high-speed operation: in 10-bit mode at full resolution, the sensor can capture images at a maximum rate of 140fps, and at 93.6fps in 12-bit mode. The CSG8K achieves even higher speeds of 231fps in 10-bit and 155fps in 12-bit mode at its full resolution of 8MP.

They are the first products to gain the benefits of a pixel design which is notable for its low noise and high sensitivity, plus HDR mode.

Peter Vandersteegen, Marketing Manager of the CMOS Image Sensors business line at ams, said: “AOI is a vital part of the quality control process in modern factories. By delivering a fast frame rate and higher resolution, the CSG image sensors provide a simple way for industrial camera manufacturers to upgrade the performance of their products, and to enable their cus-tomers to raise throughput, productivity and quality – all in a standard optical format.

The CSG sensors feature a sub-LVDS data interface like that of the ams CMV family of image sensors. Both sensors are supplied in a 20mm x 22mm LGA package, share the same footprint and pinout, and are software-compatible. The CSG14K has a 1:1 aspect ratio, and is ideal for use in C-mount, 29mm x 29mm industrial cameras. The CSG8K has a 16:9 aspect ratio, suita-ble for video. 

The CSG14K and CSG8K sensors are available for sampling.

Go to the original article...

Sony A1 review so far

Cameralabs        Go to the original article...

The Sony Alpha 1 is a high-end mirrorless camera with a 50 Megapixel full-frame sensor, built-in stabilisation, 30fps electronic bursts and a wide array of video modes including 4k 120p and 8k 30p. It’s a new flagship body positioned above the existing A7 and A9 models and combining speed, high resolution and pro video with a price tag to match. Find out more in my preview!…

Go to the original article...

Security Vulnerability of Rolling Shutter CMOS Sensors

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Arxiv.org paper "They See Me Rollin': Inherent Vulnerability of the Rolling Shutter in CMOS Image Sensors" by Sebastian Köhler, Giulio Lovisotto, Simon Birnbach, Richard Baker, and Ivan Martinovic from Oxford University, UK, warns of security problem in machine vision systems relying on rolling shutter sensors.

"As a balance between production costs and image quality, most modern cameras use Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor image sensors that implement an electronic rolling shutter mechanism, where image rows are captured consecutively rather than all-at-once.

In this paper, we describe how the electronic rolling shutter can be exploited using a bright, modulated light source (e.g., an inexpensive, off-the-shelf laser), to inject fine-grained image disruptions. These disruptions substantially affect camera-based computer vision systems, where high-frequency data is crucial in extracting informative features from objects.

We study the fundamental factors affecting a rolling shutter attack, such as environmental conditions, angle of the incident light, laser to camera distance, and aiming precision. We demonstrate how these factors affect the intensity of the injected distortion and how an adversary can take them into account by modeling the properties of the camera. We introduce a general pipeline of a practical attack, which consists of: (i) profiling several properties of the target camera and (ii) partially simulating the attack to find distortions that satisfy the adversary's goal. Then, we instantiate the attack to the scenario of object detection, where the adversary's goal is to maximally disrupt the detection of objects in the image. We show that the adversary can modulate the laser to hide up to 75% of objects perceived by state-of-the-art detectors while controlling the amount of perturbation to keep the attack inconspicuous. Our results indicate that rolling shutter attacks can substantially reduce the performance and reliability of vision-based intelligent systems."

Go to the original article...

Photonfocus Presents First Global Shutter UV Camera

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Photonfocus unveils MV4-D1280U-H01-GT camera said to be the world's first global shutter UV camera. The 1.3MP BSI sensor is custom designed and has a  QE with > 40% in 170 - 800 nm band.


Thanks to TL for the pointer!

Go to the original article...

Next Generation EDOF

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

OSA Optics Express publishes a paper "Depth-of-field engineering in coded aperture imaging" by Mani Ratnam Rai and Joseph Rosen from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.

"Extending the depth-of-field (DOF) of an optical imaging system without effecting the other imaging properties has been an important topic of research for a long time. In this work, we propose a new general technique of engineering the DOF of an imaging system beyond just a simple extension of the DOF. Engineering the DOF means in this study that the inherent DOF can be extended to one, or to several, separated different intervals of DOF, with controlled start and end points. Practically, because of the DOF engineering, entire objects in certain separated different input subvolumes are imaged with the same sharpness as if these objects are all in focus. Furthermore, the images from different subvolumes can be laterally shifted, each subvolume in a different shift, relative to their positions in the object space. By doing so, mutual hiding of images can be avoided. The proposed technique is introduced into a system of coded aperture imaging. In other words, the light from the object space is modulated by a coded aperture and recorded into the computer in which the desired image is reconstructed from the recorded pattern. The DOF engineering is done by designing the coded aperture composed of three diffractive elements. One element is a quadratic phase function dictating the start point of the in-focus axial interval and the second element is a quartic phase function which dictates the end point of this interval. Quasi-random coded phase mask is the third element, which enables the digital reconstruction. Multiplexing several sets of diffractive elements, each with different set of phase coefficients, can yield various axial reconstruction curves. The entire diffractive elements are displayed on a spatial light modulator such that real-time DOF engineering is enabled according to the user needs in the course of the observation. Experimental verifications of the proposed system with several examples of DOF engineering are presented, where the entire imaging of the observed scene is done by single camera shot."

Go to the original article...

LiDAR News: Levandowski, Aeva, DENSO, Ouster, Outsight, Argo, Valeo, Hyundai, Velodyne

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

World IP Review: The outgoing Trump administration has granted a full pardon to Anthony Levandowski, the former LiDAR head at Waymo, sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing trade secrets.

In a memo, released on January 20, 2021, the administration says Levandowski “paid a significant price for his actions and plans to devote his talents to advance the public good.

It also cited a quote from the sentencing judge in the case in which he described Levandowski as a “brilliant, groundbreaking engineer that our country needs.

BusinessWire: Ouster and Outsight partner on the first integrated solution in the lidar industry with embedded pre-processing software. This plug-and-play system is designed to deliver real-time, processed 3D data and designed to be integrated into any application within minutes. The solution combines Ouster’s high-resolution digital lidar sensors with Outsight’s perception software which detects, classifies, and tracks objects without relying on machine learning.

ReutersDENSO partners with Aeva to develop next-generation sensing and perception systems. Together, the companies will advance FMCW LiDAR and bring it to the mass vehicle market.

MSNGroundTruthAutonomy: Argo.ai presents its new platform featuring 6 LiDARs and 11 cameras. Some of the versions even have a multi-storied LiDAR pyramid on the roof:


ETNews reports that Hyundai is contemplating using Valeo SCALA LiDAR in its first autonomous vehicle scheduled to release in 2022. The reason for choosing Valeo is quite interesting:

"This decision is likely based on the fact that Velodyne has yet to reach a level to mass-produce LiDAR sensors even though it is working with Hyundai Mobis, which invested $54.3 million (60 billion KRW) in Velodyne, on the development. 

Velodyne received an $50 million investment (3% stake) from Hyundai Mobis back in 2019. Although it stands at the top of the global market for LiDAR sensors, a supply of automotive LiDAR sensors for a research and development purpose is its only experience with automotive LiDAR sensors. It is reported that it has yet to reach Hyundai Motor Group’s requests due to its lack of experience with mass-production of automotive LiDAR sensors. Although it was planning to supply LiDAR sensors that will be used for a level 3 autonomous driving system, its plan is now facing a setback.

Velodyne is currently working with Hyundai Mobis at Hyundai Mobis’s Technical Center of Korea in Mabuk and is focusing on securing its ability to mass-produce automotive LiDAR sensors while having the sensors satisfy reliability that future cars require. The key is for Velodyne to minimize any different in qualities between products during mass-production

Valeo is the only company in the world that has succeeded in mass-producing automotive LiDAR sensors. It supplied “SCALA Gen. 1” to Audi for Audi’s full-size sedan “A8”. SCALA Gen. 1 is a 4-channel LiDAR sensor and it has a detection range of about 150 meters."

Go to the original article...

International Image Sensor Society on LinkedIn

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

International Image Sensor Society (IISS) has opened a LinkedIn page. Please feel free to follow to be updated about the latest events and announcements:

Go to the original article...

12-ps Resolution Vernier Time-to-Digital Converter for SPAD Sensor

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

MDPI paper "A 13-Bit, 12-ps Resolution Vernier Time-to-Digital Converter Based on Dual Delay-Rings for SPAD Image Sensor" by Zunkai Huang, Jinglin Huang, Li Tian,Ning Wang, Yongxin Zhu, Hui Wang, and Songlin Feng from Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, presents a fairly complex pixel.

"In this paper, we propose a novel high-performance TDC for a SPAD image sensor. In our design, we first present a pulse-width self-restricted (PWSR) delay element that is capable of providing a steady delay to improve the time precision. Meanwhile, we employ the proposed PWSR delay element to construct a pair of 16-stages vernier delay-rings to effectively enlarge the dynamic range. Moreover, we propose a compact and fast arbiter using a fully symmetric topology to enhance the robustness of the TDC. To validate the performance of the proposed TDC, a prototype 13-bit TDC has been fabricated in the standard 0.18-µm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) process. The core area is about 200 µm × 180 µm and the total power consumption is nearly 1.6 mW. The proposed TDC achieves a dynamic range of 92.1 ns and a time precision of 11.25 ps. The measured worst integral nonlinearity (INL) and differential nonlinearity (DNL) are respectively 0.65 least-significant-bit (LSB) and 0.38 LSB, and both of them are less than 1 LSB. The experimental results indicate that the proposed TDC is suitable for SPAD-based 3D imaging applications."

Go to the original article...

WDR Sensor with Binary Image Feature

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

IET Electronics Letters publishes a paper "CMOS image sensor for wide dynamic range feature extraction in machine vision" by Hyeon‐June Kim from Kangwon National University, Korea.

"The proposed pixel structure has two operating modes, the normal and WDR modes. In the normal operating mode, the proposed CIS captures a normal image with high sensitivity. In addition, as a unique function, a bi‐level image is obtained for real‐time FE even if a pixel is saturated in strong illumination conditions. Thus, compared to typical CISs for machine vison, the proposed CIS can reveal object features that are blocked by light in real time. In the WDR operating mode, the proposed CIS produces a WDR image with its corresponding bi‐level image. A prototype CIS was fabricated using a standard 0.35‐μm 2P4M CMOS process with a 320 × 240 format (QVGA) with 10‐μm pitch pixels. At 60 fps, the measured power consumption was 5.98 mW at 3.3 V for pixel readout and 2.8 V for readout circuitry. The dynamic range of 73.1 dB was achieved in the WDR operating mode."

Go to the original article...

Smartsens Released More than 30 Tapeouts in 2020

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Smartsens reports that it has released more than 30 tapeouts in 2020 or one tapeout every 12 days, on average. The company also won the "Unicorn Enterprise of the Year Award" from 2021 China Semiconductor Investment Alliance Annual Conference and China IC Billboard:

Go to the original article...

CMOS Sensors Design with Synopsys Custom Compiler

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

While most of analog design in the industry is done with Cadence EDA tools, Imasenic CTO Adria Bofill Petit presents an alternative path with Synopsys Custom Compiler:

Go to the original article...

Call for Papers for Special Issue of 2022 IEEE TED on Solid-State Image Sensors

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Over the last decade, solid-state image sensors have sustained impressive technological developments as well as growth in existing markets such as camera phones, automotive cameras, security and industrial cameras and medical/scientific cameras. This has included:
  • sub-micron pixels,
  • high dynamic range sensors for automotive and machine vision,
  • time-of- flight sensors for 3D imaging,
  • 3-dimensional integration (wafer level stacking) for small and efficient imaging systems on a chip,
  • sub-electron read noise pixels and avalanche photodetectors for single-photon imaging,
  • detector structures for non-cooled infrared imaging,
  • and many others.
Solid-state image sensors are also taking off into new applications and markets (IoT, 3D imaging, medical, biometrics and others). Solid-state image sensors are now key components in a vast array of consumer and industrial products. This special issue will provide a focal point for reporting these advancements in an archival journal and serve as an educational tool for the solid-state image sensor community. Previous special issues on solid-state image sensors were published in 1968, 1976, 1985, 1991, 1997, 2003, 2009 and 2016.
  • Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
  • Pixel device physics (New devices and structures, Advanced materials, Improved models and scaling, Advanced pixel circuits, Performance enhancement for QE, Dark current, Noise, Charge Multiplication Devices, etc.)
  • Image sensor design and performance (New architectures, Small pixels and Large format arrays, High dynamic range, 3D range capture, Low voltage, Low power, High frame rate readout, Scientific-grade, Single-Photon Sensitivity)
  • Image-sensor-specific peripheral circuits (ADCs and readout electronics, Color and image processing, Smart sensors and computational sensors, System on a chip)
  • Non-visible “image” sensors (Enhanced spectral response e.g., UV, NIR, High energy photon and particle detectors e.g., electrons, X-rays, Ions, Hybrid detectors, THz imagers)
  • Stacked image sensor architectures, fabrication, packaging and manufacturing (two or more tiers, back-side illuminated devices)
  • Miscellaneous topics related to image sensor technology
Submission deadline: July 30, 2021
Publication date: June 2022

Go to the original article...

GEO Semi Reports the 250 Automotive OEM Design Win Milestone

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

BusinessWire: GEO Semiconductor announces surpassing a major milestone for the company, 250 Automotive OEM design wins. These camera video processor (CVP) design wins represent engagements with over 30 different Tier 1 suppliers, and over a dozen of the world’s top automotive OEMs. 

GEO released it’s first automotive product in 2015 and made the strategic decision to exclusively develop CVPs for automotive from that point forward. In the past 5 years we leveraged our world class team, our focused product strategy, and our customers to propel us to grow to the position of market leadership.” said Dave Orton, GEO Semiconductor CEO. “The world’s leading automotive companies chose GEO due to our camera, video, and computer vision expertise, and our ability to provide timely cutting edge solutions for these complex applications.
 

Go to the original article...

Bucket-Brigade Device Inventor Kees Teer Passed Away at the Age of 95

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

ED: A former Philips Research Labs head Kees Teer passed away at the age of 95. Kees was the inventor of a bucket-brigate device, the predecessor of the CCD.

Go to the original article...

Smartsens Claims #1 Spot in CIS Volume for Machine Vision Applications

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

Smartsens publishes a promotional video on global shutter advantages where it claims to be #1 in terms of machine vision image sensors shipment volume:



Update: Smartsens has updated the video with explanations on of the machine vision market positioning:

Go to the original article...

Samsung Aims to Take a Lead on Automotive CIS Market

Image Sensors World        Go to the original article...

PulseNews reports that, currently, Samsung market share in automotive image sensors is only 2%, after ON Semi, Omnivision, and Sony. Samsung intends to increase it and take a lead in automotive sensors.



Go to the original article...

css.php