Sony declared the launch of its newly developed, advanced back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, representing the advancements in camera technology. This image sensor deposits the pixel section with back-illuminated structure pixels, onto chips with incorporated circuit section for signal processing.
The structure results in advanced functionalities, image quality development, and more compact size that promote camera evolution.
The stacked CMOS image sensor is made up of several features, including higher image quality of the pixel section by employing specialized techniques for superior image quality, incorporated extensive signal processing circuits for better functionality and higher image quality, increased speeds and decreased power consumption by utilizing the leading process for the circuit section, and more compact chip size of image sensor.
The utilization of cameras has been progressing with the development of smartphones and other devices. This resulted in increased demand for the development of advanced cameras. Sony developed this stacked CMOS image sensor cater to such demand. The novel image sensors are more compact and possess highly-advanced functionalities, opening new prospective for camera evolution.
As an initial step in introducing the new CMOS image sensors to the market, Sony has designed a model with incorporated signal processing functionality, a component necessitating external embedment. Samples will be available for marketing from March, 2012.
Sony's unique ‘RGBW Coding’ function is an important approach employed in the fabrication of model, which allows high quality, efficient image capture even in low-light condition and low noise. Sony’s customary HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie function generates brilliant color for pictures against bright light.