Global Shutter Image Sensor
- Home
- Products & Solutions
- Image sensor
- Image Sensor for Industrial Use [Overview]
- Global Shutter Image Sensor
Overview
Pregius and Pregius S are Sony’s technological trademarks for a group of CMOS sensor global shutters and their peripheral technologies.
CMOS image sensors with Pregius and Pregius S technology are ideal for imaging inspections in machine vision and the smart industry that require the processing of a large volume of image data at high speed, as they make it possible to capture high-quality, undistorted images at high speeds.
These products also expand the scope of their applications from factory automation to other industrial imaging and sensing contexts, such as traffic monitoring and infrastructure inspection.
Features
Provides undistorted images of moving objects
Global shutters function enables the capturing of fast-moving objects without distortion. Texts are legible in images
Faster signal processing with lower noise
Our proprietary column A/D conversion circuit realizes both faster signal processing and lower noise. Enhancing the high-precision image inspection, it helps to improve on-site productivity in manufacturing
Realizing both higher definition and smaller size thanks to Pregius S technology
The back-illuminated pixel structure adopted in Pregius S global shutter technology has made both higher definition and smaller size a reality, on top of its non-distortion imaging functionality.This new structure has a superior light collection efficiency compared to the conventional front-illuminated structure and, while maintaining the levels of sensitivity and saturation capacity, achieved a reduction of the pixel size down to 2.74 µm square, about 63% of the conventional models.*1 In addition, rearranging the circuit area from the edges to the back of the sensor area has helped to achieve a 1.7-fold increase in resolution for the same optical size and reduce the package size to about 91% of the existing products.*1
As a result, it can achieve a high-definition small-sized machine vision camera compatible with up to approx. 24.45 M effective pixels in a C-mount 1.2-type sensor, allowing more flexibility in its applications to systems and production lines.
*1) Compared to "IMX253" and "IMX531," Sony’s 1.1-type CMOS image sensors with 12.37 M effective pixels.
Fast readout of captured data
Data readout has significantly improved (2.4 times faster than previous products*1) in Pregius S by virtue of the highly-flexible wiring layout potential of the back-illuminated pixel structure, together with the adoption of SLVS-EC, a high-speed interface standard for adopting the embedded clock style. This potentially improves the takt time and throughput of the manufacturing systems or equipment.
As technologies such as USB 3.0 and 5 GigE become more prevalent, our standard 5 Gbps-compatible product range is enhanced by an extensive lineup of high-speed products for high-end cameras that use a high-speed band, improving the productivity significantly through reducing the time necessary for inspection, image recognition, identification, measurement, and other types of measurement and inspection.
High definition imaging over a wide area
C-mount lens compatible image sensors are a standard option for industrial machines, but larger unit multi-pixel sensor will enable high-definition imaging of wider areas.
For example, a comparison between the images taken with 1.1” 12.37 M pixels sensor and one with 127.68 M pixels sensor clearly shows the difference. This will enable to lower capture frequency, which contributes to improved efficiency. It also enhances recognition accuracy by the high resolution imaging.
Sony offers two types of large CMOS image sensors for industrial applications: global shutter and rolling shutter. This video explains the differences and advantages of each.
Product Lineup
Series Offerings by Application
To enhance efficiency in factories, logistics facilities, and many other environments by introducing industrial cameras into human processes, it is necessary to select cameras with image sensors appropriate to the intended use. Variables include image sensor pixel size and image quality.
In general, a larger number of pixels means larger chips and therefore a larger camera. Conversely, reducing pixel size to realize a smaller camera would compromise image quality as the restrained light collection area per pixel lowers sensitivity and signal saturation levels.
To tackle these dilemmas, Sony has been leveraging its superior technical expertise and developing a lineup of global shutter image sensors through the optimized balance of pixel size and imaging performance to cater to various uses. The table below summarizes the product features of each different series.
Series | 5.8 Series | 4.5 Series | 3.4 Series | 2.7 Series | 2.2 Series |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pixel size | 5.86 ㎛ | 4.5 ㎛ (*1) | 3.45 ㎛ (*2) | 2.74 ㎛ | 2.25 ㎛ |
Resolution (Megapixels) |
2.4 | 0.5 - 7.1 | 0.4 - 127 | 5.1 - 24.6 | 3.2 |
Sensor size | Type 1/1.2 | Type 1/1.7 - Type 1.1 |
Type 1/2.9 - Type 3.6 |
Type 1/1.8 - Type 1.2 |
Type 1/3.1 |
Output interface | Sub-LVDS | SLVS, SLVS-EC |
Sub-LVDS, SLVS-EC, MIPI |
SLVS, SLVS-EC, MIPI |
SLVS, MIPI |
Features | Large pixel sizes offer high sensitivity and a high S/N ratio | Wide dynamic range facilitates capturing both dark and bright areas in view of a high-contrast scene | Diverse usage Industry-standard model |
Ideal for high-definition photography High speed and high resolution |
Compact and high resolution Excellent incident light angle dependency High sensitivity in the NIR region |
Product lineup | View product lineup for 5.8 Series | View product lineup for 4.5 Series | View product lineup for 3.4 Series | View product lineup for 2.7 Series | View product lineup for 2.2 Series |
(*1) Exceptionally, 9.0μm models are available (IMX425/426/432/433)
(*2) Exceptionally, 6.9μm models are available (IMX287/297)
- • The 5.8 Series boasts exceptional sensitivity and a high S/N ratio with its 5.86μm pixel.
- • The 4.5 Series offers 4.5μm pixels with wide dynamic range, enabling images that capture both bright and dark areas even under high-contrast conditions.
- • The 3.4 Series comes with 3.45μm pixels, offering well-balanced specifications between pixel sizes and resolutions. It is a standard model for industrial image sensors and suits various usages. Its rich lineup means you are sure to find a product ideal for your purposes.
- • The 2.7 Series implements Pregius S, the latest structural technology, in a stacked CMOS image sensor with 2.74μm pixels. These small and high-resolution sensors can capture high-definition images of fast-moving targets.
- • The 2.2 Series has a 2.25 µm pixel size and is compact yet offers high resolution, enabling high-speed, high-definition photography. Its advanced stack structure gives it excellent incident light angle dependency and better sensitivity in the NIR region.
These image sensors are used not only in manufacturing but also in an extensive range of other industries and applications, including logistics, aerial photography, and infrastructure inspection. Sony makes it possible with a rich lineup of products to dramatically advance processes in diverse sectors.
Product lineup
Featured Products
Download
The Role of Machine Vision in Factory Automation and Image Sensor Selection
Industrial image sensors are the eyes that monitor a variety of manufacturing processes. This article gives some hints on how to choose the right sensor.
Technology
Find out more about the global shutter technology
Part of this product group uses high-speed interface standard SLVS-EC
Related Links
Product & Service Inquiries
Click here to request for a datasheet/quotation (RFQ)!
* This button will redirect you to the salesforce.com Co., Ltd. website,
which we have entrusted.
E-mail Newsletters
Find the latest information on our newsletter for industrial and security applications.