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Diagonal 9.10 mm (Type 1/1.8) 6.4M-Effective Pixel
High-Speed High-Resolution CMOS Sensor for Consumer Products
with Seamless Support for Both Still Image and Moving Image Capture
IMX017CQE
Sony has now developed the IMX017CQE high-speed/high-resolution CMOS
sensor that can output 6.4M-pixel images at 60 frame/s.
This sensor can also capture 6.4M-pixel high-resolution still images during
moving images capture without interrupting the moving images capture.
This allows it to implement seamless imaging in which the user has
no need to be aware of the boundary between still and moving imaging. It
furthermore supports 300 frame/s ultrahigh-speed imaging, making it possible
for consumer cameras to capture moving images without missing
any of the decisive moments that were previously impossible to capture.
Image sensors have seen continuous progress in total pixel counts and, at
the same time, in reduced feature sizes in the pixels. Now, by striving for
higher speeds in addition to excellent picture quality, Sony is about to create
a whole new market for image sensors. |
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IMX017CQE |
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* Diagonal 9.10 mm (Type 1/1.8)
6.4M effective pixels
(2921H × 2184V)
* Pixel size: 2.5 μm unit pixel
* 12-bit column A/D converter readout
* Supports 60 frame/s transfer video
capture and provides seamless
transition between still and moving
modes.
* High-speed output interface: 12-bit
parallel LVDS with 432 MHz high-speed
data rate
* Dual power supply drive
(Analog: 3.0 V, Digital: 1.8 V) |
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In the IMX017CQE, Sony has achieved
fast image acquisition and reproduction of
high picture quality still images and moving
images by skillfully combining the
speed and integration characteristics of the
CMOS sensor technology in the readout
and other peripheral circuits. |
Column A/D Converter Readout |
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The IMX017CQE integrates a separate
A/D converter for each column, and performs
A/D conversions in a column-parallel
manner. This makes it possible to read
out 6.4M pixels at the high speed of 60
frame/s. (See figure 1.)
The column-parallel A/D conversion
method allows a much longer time to be spent on each conversion compared to the
earlier pixel-at-a-time conversion, and
thus is a structure that is effective at reducing
random noise in the system. |
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Increased Pixel Count and
Improved High Picture Quality |
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To achieve high resolution and high sensitivity,
Sony optimized the pixel process
technology and the pixel layout and
achieved a sensitivity of 4200e- (at 3200K,
706 cd/m2, and 1/30 s accumulation) in a
2.5 μm unit pixel size. |
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Extensive Set of Readout
Modes |
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The IMX017CQE provides three basic
readout modes: a 6.4M-pixel, 60 frame/s
mode that outputs 10-bit data at a pixel
rate of 432 MHz, a 2×2 addition mode that
supports high picture quality moving images,
and a 3×3 addition mode that supports
the conventional SD mode.
In addition, it also provides a 12-bit output
mode and is capable of producing
6.4M pixels 12-bit high-resolution images
at 15 frame/s.
The IMX017CQE also features a vertical
1/5-line readout mode in which it is capable
of 300 frame/s moving imaging, and
makes it possible to see instants that could
not be captured previously. (See photograph
1.)
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Seamless Mode Transitions |
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Invalid frames (i.e., drop frames) do not
occur when switching from high picture
quality moving image mode to still image
mode, or in the reverse transition. Thus
the IMX017CQE can capture 6.4M pixels
high-resolution still images during
moving image capture without interrupting
the moving image capture.
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Built-in Peripheral Circuits |
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The IMX017CQE includes many of its
peripheral circuits, including the horizontal
and vertical drive circuits, a PLL circuit,
an internal reference voltage generating
circuit, and an LVDS interface.
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•••• Mr. INADA ••••
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Although we ran into several difficulties
due to the large number of
new elements involved, the project
team worked together as an integrated
unit to resolve these issues.
After that, all we had to do was to
wait for mass production. I hope
everyone will be able to experience
the new world of digital imaging
born from the fusion of still and
moving imaging. |
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See
all articles with figures and tables.  |
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Vol.47 |
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