Global Shutter Technology
Pregius™ / Pregius S™

Global shutter and rolling shutter

High-speed signal processing and high image quality

High-speed signal processing and low noise in one image sensor

Pregius comprises a light receiving section (photodiode) with the excellent low-noise property of CCD and a memory section. The light simultaneously sensed by each photodiode of all pixels is converted to digital signal and transferred to their respective memory sections before processed. By processing the simultaneous digital signals all at once, the resulting image has no distortion. It thus offers an ideal functionality for moving object inspection.

The key to the high speed of CMOS image sensors with Pregius technology is the parallel processing. The CMOS image sensors are equipped with A/D conversion circuits, which transform the analog signal from the pixel to a digital signal. An array of several thousands of these circuits arranged horizontally realizes the high-speed processing by operating simultaneously. In the A/D conversion circuit, the analog circuit that causes noise has been changed to a different configuration so that it automatically suppresses noise. In this way, the technology both realizes the high speed and low noise in one image sensor.

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Pregius S Technology

Advantages of the back-illuminated structure and stacked structure（Pregius S）

The first merit of a back-illuminated structure is that it allows a wider incident angle, as illustrated below. Normally, the issues for a structure like this include measures for noise suppression and dark current. On Pregius S, we newly developed an original photodiode structure and light-shielding structure that were optimized for the back-illuminated structure. These greatly improved the sensitivity and saturation properties while also suppressing the noise generation. By utilizing these properties, it is also possible to maintain the image quality while achieving the miniaturization of pixels, which makes a more compact image sensor possible.

Futhermore, by adopting a stacked structure that overlays the pixel section and the signal processing section (see figure on the right), we succeeded in simultaneously achieving both a smaller sensor size and more functions as a result of the expanded signal processing circuit area.

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Pregius S technology continues to evolve, including the use of a stacked structure that allows for wider and more efficient use of the photodiode area. Discover the details.

Functionalities of images sensors with Pregius S technology

The Pregius and Pregius S logos may be used by clients under the following conditions and provided that prior consent is given by the Sony Group. The logo image data is provided upon signing the logo licensing agreement. Please inquire from “Contact us” below.

Eligible products : Customers' products incorporating Sony’s CMOS image sensors equipped with Pregius/Pregius S technology.
Applicable media : Outer packaging of the eligible product, catalog, poster, promotional materials such as product information webpages, other medium created for exhibitions, etc. (e.g., information panels)

The logos may not be applied to the product itself or its system (including the digital app screens).
The logo licensing agreement is subject to preliminary assessments. The assessment results will not be made public.
The license may not be granted in some cases.
Sony Group is not held liable for any damage caused in relation to the use of the logos.