ON Semiconductor's Global Shutter Image Sensor Addresses Machine Vision Imaging Requirements

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Under the general trend of "Industry 4.0" and "Made in China 2025", the trend of industrial automation continues to increase, and machine vision has become an important emerging field in the electronics industry. Driven by continued automation needs, social security requirements and market economic strength, the global machine vision and intelligent transportation system market is booming. In China, more and more big companies are entering the machine vision market.

Image sensor performance indicators and development trends

Image sensors are a key component of machine vision systems for capturing image information. Factors that measure image sensor performance include resolution, sensitivity, bandwidth, noise, power consumption, optical format, frame rate, and CRA. No single image sensing technology or product is suitable for all applications, so designers need to match the most appropriate technology for their application needs. In contrast, CCD sensors provide optimal image uniformity, high linear dynamic range, high light sensitivity, and large optical formats, while CMOS sensors offer flexible read, low power, high frame rate, and high integration. From the application market, Full Frame CCD is aimed at science and medical fields, Interline Transfer CCD and global shutter CMOS are used for machine vision and intelligent transportation systems. Linear CCD is suitable for scanning, food/beverage, etc. Rolling shutter CMOS is mainly used. In the security monitoring industry. Both CCD and CMOS image sensors are moving toward smaller pixels (but at the same time retaining performance), larger optical formats, improved output design and process trends to meet market demands for higher resolution, faster output speeds, Enhanced quantum efficiency (QE), reduced noise, and reduced cost requirements. High-speed image capture provides high throughput, high-quality images provide accurate analysis, and high-pixel captures clear image detail.

ON Semiconductor is the only supplier that offers CMOS and CCD image sensors

ON Semiconductor's more than 40 years of imaging expertise, combined with the acquired technology advantages of CYPRESS, TRUESENSE, and Aptina, is the only supplier that can provide CMOS and CCD image sensors. In 2015, it has the largest security and scanning image sensor market. The market share is also ranked second in the machine vision market. The company's unparalleled product technology and comprehensive product portfolio include a wide range of technology including CCD and CMOS pixel design, back-illuminated, electronic multiplier, system-on-chip (SoC) integration, dedicated color filter array (CFA), and high-speed readout. Architecture, proprietary coprocessor and custom design capabilities, pixel sizes from 1.1 μm to 24 μm, resolution from VGA to over 50 megapixels, optical format from 2.2 mm to over 70 mm, and investing heavily in future development Leading technology and market development. This article will focus on ON Semiconductor's global shutter CMOS image sensor PYTHON series and Interline Transfer CCD image sensor.

Global shutter CMOS image sensor

CMOS image sensors provide some of the features not available with CCD image sensors. Internally integrated digital processing capabilities, such as turning the charge into a voltage inside the pixel, provide a faster frame rate than the CCD. Moreover, the CMOS architecture allows users to design small window outputs according to their needs, making reading more flexible. In addition, CMOS has low power consumption and simple design. Although CCD image sensors are still in the leading position in image quality, with the development of technology, the difference in imaging quality between global shutter CMOS and CCD image sensors will become smaller and smaller. Key applications for global shutter CMOS image sensors include inspection, medical imaging, motion analysis, security, microscopy, and intelligent transportation.

Global Shutter CMOS Sensor for Industrial High-End Applications: PYTHON

ON Semiconductor's PYTHON series delivers superior image quality, high and flexible readout speeds, low power/frame rate versions and a scalable platform for demanding industrial imaging and intelligent transportation applications such as inspection systems , license plate recognition, surveillance, scientific research, traffic cameras, robot guidance and motion analysis.

1. Superior image quality

PYTHON's patented global shutter structure ensures no motion artifacts when capturing moving objects, correlated double sampling (CDS) within pixels ensures low output noise, and on-chip fixed mode noise (FPN) correction provides enhanced image quality, depending on the application Configurability Optimizes image quality for specified end applications. High quantum efficiency provides excellent sensitivity from UV to NIR. The products are available in black and white, color and near infrared.

2. Low power / frame rate version to choose from

To meet the needs of some customers who want to reduce power consumption and cost, ON Semiconductor also offers low-power PYTHON 1300 and PYTHON 5000, which optimizes power consumption by 33% by reducing frame rate while retaining the high optics of the PYTHON series. Performance, and thus a cost-effective choice for applications that support low frame rates.

Table 1: PYTHON Low Power/Frame Rate Scheme

3. High and flexible read speed

PYTHON has the bandwidth to meet and exceed modern interfaces such as USB3, USB3.1, 10GigE, Cameralink. The ROI mode is used for custom output selection, and the speed is increased by the square when opening the window.

Figure 1: PYTHON high bandwidth supports high frame rate and high resolution

4. Scalable

The PYTHON series consists of nine different devices, offering resolutions from VGA to over 25 megapixels in three package sizes. All devices have similar electrical and design requirements, and all products share the same design.

Figure 2: 9 devices in the PYTHON series

Therefore, based on PYTHON's support for high bandwidth above USB3, it can provide faster frame rate without sacrificing image quality, and the resolution of 25 million pixels meets the trend of higher resolution in the market. Nine different resolution options can be selected. Customized end-customer solutions are available for different application needs, scalability reduces design time and speeds time-to-market.