Atsugi, Japan — Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) announced today that it has released the LYT-818, a new effective-50-megapixel*1 CMOS image sensor that significantly reduces noise in low-light conditions and delivers a high dynamic range. This product will be offered under the LYTIA brand, a new product line introduced for mobile image sensors.
The LYT-818 is a 1/1.28-type image sensor primarily designed for the main cameras and sub cameras on smartphones, delivering exceptional image quality with its low noise and high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities. By developing a new, highly efficient circuit for converting photodiode charges into voltage, SSS has significantly reduced random noise (RN), achieving an RN of 0.95e-, the lowest of any of its CMOS sensors for mobile applications.*2 This enables the capture of detailed images even in low-light conditions, minimizing noise-related grain. Additionally, the LYT-818 is the first SSS’ image sensors to feature the new HDR method, which allows for reading out the charges accumulated in a single exposure in three different gain settings and then combining these data sets. This results in an 86dB dynamic range, effectively suppressing blowout and blackout in high-contrast scenes. To enable constant HDR usage, SSS has optimized the sensor's power consumption, particularly in the logic circuits. This feature allows for real-time HDR preview on a smartphone's display.
*1: Based on the image sensor effective pixel specification method.
*2: As of announcement on September 25, 2024.
LYT-818 CMOS image sensor
| Model name | Mass production shipping date |
|---|---|
|
LYT-818 1/1.28 type (12.49 mm diagonal) approx. 50-effective-megapixel*1 stacked CMOS image sensor |
Mid-September 2024 |
Main features
- Ultra-high conversion gain (UHCG) circuit technology significantly reduces random noise in low-light conditions, enabling clear subject imaging
UHCG is a circuit technology that achieves high conversion efficiency from charge to voltage, reducing the graininess caused by random noise during shooting in dark environments. Equipped with UHCG, the new sensor has achieved an RN of 0.95e-, the lowest of any of SSS’ CMOS sensors for mobile applications. This improvement enhances reproducibility in low-light photography and improves the sensor's ability to express color gradations.
- Proprietary new HDR method delivers an impressive 86dB dynamic range
By employing new HDR method, the new product has significantly reduced blowouts and blackout, commonly encountered in high-contrast scenes like backlit subjects. The result is imaging that more closely resembles what the human eye sees. Furthermore, when capturing moving subjects, new HDR method mitigates motion artifacts like ghosting. It achieves this by reading out the image captured in a single exposure in three different gain settings, and then combining these data sets.
- Low-power design enables constant use of HDR
Traditionally, displaying HDR preview footage on a smartphone screen has been associated with increased power consumption and device heating. Consequently, many devices may opt out of HDR preview. By optimizing the logic circuits and other elements of this product for low power consumption, SSS has made continuous use of HDR possible, even during preview. This ensures that the recorded footage closely matches what the user sees on the smartphone preview screen, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
| Model name |
LYT-818 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Image size |
1/1.28-type (diagonal 12.49 mm) |
|
| Effective pixels |
Approx. 50 megapixels |
|
| Unit cell size |
1.22 μm × 1.22 μm (H × V) |
|
| Color filter |
Quad Bayer Coding |
|
| Frame rate | All pixels (4:3) |
30 fps (all pixel AF) |
| 12.5 Megapixels (4:3) |
120 fps (all pixel AF) |
|
| 4K2K |
120 fps (all pixel AF) |
|
| 12.5 Megapixels (multi frame HDR) |
60 fps （2 Digital Over Lap、all pixel AF） |
|
| 12.5 Megapixels (single frame HDR) |
60 fps (dual conversion gain-HDR, all pixel AF) |
|
|
Power supply | Analog |
2.8 v/1.8 v |
| Digital |
0.81 v |
|
| Interface |
1.8 v or 1.2 v |
|
| Output interface |
MIPI® C-PHY 2/3 trio, Max. 6.0 Gsps/trio |
|
For more information on LYTIA, SSS’s mobile image sensor brand, please visit the LYTIA brand site:
https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/products/is/mobile/index.html
* LYTIA and the LYTIA logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Group Corporation.
* All product and service names that appear in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.