Sony Semiconductor division has announced the new IMX183CLK-J “Mono” & IMX183CQJ-J “Color” Sensors in 1″ size. The sensor seems to be a step up compared to the ones used in the last RX100 and RX10 camera series. While there is no mention in the press release of a stacked combo; the sensor itself should be able to be built on a high speed stacked memory package which should allow extreme frame rates at HD resolutions.
The sensor used in the RX100 V, for example, is a 1″ Exmor RS which allows for HDR capture in both photo and video modes. The new sensors announced are of the R variety “No video HDR” which could mean another variation of the sensor will debut with the RX100 VI. Considering the cameras are due for a refresh this year we expect Sony to up the ante when it comes to read-out data speeds and use their stacking technology.
“Like Exmor R™, Exmor RS™ for mobile uses a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor that allows you to take exceptional photographs under low light conditions. … The difference is thatExmor R™ enables HDR for photos, whereas Exmor RS™ for mobile brings HDR for both photos and video.” – Sony
Sony IMX183 Main Sensor Characteristics:
- 2.4 µm square unit pixel
- 1″ Inch Sensor Size (C-Mount Compatibility)
- IMX183CQJ-J (Color Version)
- IMX183CLK-J (Monochrome Version)
- vertical arbitrary cropping function (Windowing)
- 4096H × 2160V, 10-bit mode, 59.94 fps
- 10-bit high-speed all-pixel readout
- 20.48M pixels (aspect 3:2) high-speed readout at 21.98 fps
IMX183CLK-J/CQJ-J
Diagonal 15.86 mm (Type 1) Approx. 20.48M-Effective Pixel Monochrome/Color CMOS Image Sensor
High-Speed and High-Picture-Quality Rolling Shutter-Type Back-Illuminated CMOS Image Sensors with Multi Pixel and All-Pixel Global Reset Function
In the industrial application field, needs are increasing for faster products with higher pixel counts and for rolling shutter functions. To meet these needs, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation has developed the “IMX183CLK-J/CQJ-J” CMOS image sensors equipped with an all-pixel global reset function. The image sensor uses a high sensitivity back-illuminated structure 2.4 µm square unit pixel, and we have developed both color (IMX183CQJ-J) and monochrome (IMX183CLK-J) products. The optical size is Type 1 to enable use of a C-mount lens. In addition, these products are equipped with a variety of functions such as 4K video mode and a vertical arbitrary cropping function.
- Supports 20.48M-pixel readout at 21.98 frame/s in 12-bit mode
- Supports all-pixel global reset (use with mechanical shutter)
- Supports 4K video mode (4096H × 2160V, 10-bit mode, 59.94 frame/s)
- Supports a variety of readout modes such as 10-bit high-speed all-pixel readout, 12-bit high-resolution readout, and vertical arbitrary cropping
- High-sensitivity back-illuminated structure 2.4 µm square unit pixel with a proven record in products for security camera and industrial applications
* Exmor R is a trademark of Sony Corporation. The Exmor R is a Sony’s CMOS image sensor with significantly enhanced imaging characteristics including sensitivity and low noise by changing fundamental structure of Exmor™ pixel adopted column parallel A/D converter to back-illuminated type.
Supports 20.48M-pixel readout at 21.98 frame/s in 12-bit mode
High-resolution 12-bit digital output of the signals for 20.48M pixels (aspect ratio 3:2) realizes high-speed readout at 21.98 frame/s. This image sensor enables even higher resolution imaging of finer objects at high frame rates in excess of 20 frame/s, while still maintaining high picture quality.
Supports all-pixel global reset (use with mechanical shutter)
The IMX183CQJ-J/CLK-J series is equipped with a global shutter function that can globally reset the internal accumulated charges using an external trigger. Imaging with a flash and mechanical shutter after this all-pixel global reset makes it possible to align the exposure start timing of all pixels, achieving storage operation similar to that of a global shutter. The exposure time can also be adjusted by varying the vertical sync signal input period. (However, the minimum vertical sync signal period is 18 times the horizontal readout period.)
Supports 4K video mode (4096H × 2160V, 10-bit mode, 59.94 frame/s)
10-bit digital output of the signals for approx. 9.03M-effective pixels (aspect ratio approx. 17:9) realizes high-speed output at 59.94 frame/s and also enables video imaging.
Supports various readout modes
The IMX183CQJ-J/CLK-J series supports various readout modes including the above-noted high-resolution 12-bit all-pixel output, 10-bit all-pixel output that enables even faster readout, and high-speed 4K video output, as well as vertical arbitrary cropping output mode (cropping size restrictions apply) and a high-speed readout mode that uses the binning function (Table 3).
High-sensitivity back-illuminated structure 2.4 µm square unit pixel with a proven record in products for security camera and industrial applications
The IMX183CQJ-J/CLK-J series uses a high-sensitivity back-illuminated structure 2.4 µm square unit pixel with a proven record in the IMX178LLJ/LQJ*1 (for security camera and industrial applications).
*1: For details on the IMX178LQJ series, see the New Product information released in September 2013.
*If the mouse cursor changes over the photo, you can click to see the larger version in a new window.
Photograph 1 Sample Images
Condition: 2000 lx F4.0 (ADC 12-bit mode , internal gain 0 dB)
IMX183CLK-J 18ms accumulation
IMX183CQJ-J 33ms accumulation
| Item | IMX183CLK-J/CQJ-J | |
|---|---|---|
| Output image size | Diagonal 15.86 mm (Type 1) aspect ratio 3:2 | |
| Number of effective pixels | 5544 (H) × 3694 (V) approx. 20.48M pixels | |
| Unit cell size | 2.4 µm (H) × 2.4 µm (V) | |
| Optical blacks | Horizontal | Front: 48 pixels, rear: 0 pixels |
| Vertical | Front: 16 pixels, rear: 0 pixels | |
| Input drive frequency | 72 MHz | |
| Output Interface | Sub-LVDS (576 Mbps / ch, Max.10 ch) *1 | |
| Package | 118-pin LGA | |
| Supply voltage VDD (Typ.) | 2.9 V / 1.8 V / 1.2 V | |
*1 Sensor slave mode only.
| Item | Value | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity (monochrome) | Typ. [F8] |
388 mV | 1/30s accumulation |
| G Sensitivity (color) | Typ. [F5.6] |
461 mV | 1/30s accumulation |
| Saturation signal | Min. | 942 mV | Tj = 60 °C |
| Drive mode | Recommended number of recording pixels | Frame rate [frame/s] |
ADC [bit] |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-pixel scan (12 bit) *１ | 5472 (H) × 3648 (V) | 21.98 | 12 |
| All-pixel scan (10 bit) *１ | 5472 (H) × 3648 (V) | 24.98 | 10 |
| Type 1/1.4 approx.9.03M-Pixel (approx. 17:9) (10 bit) |
4096 (H) × 2160 (V) | 59.94 | 10 |
| Vertical Arbitrary Cropping (10 bit) *2 | 5472 (H) × 1802 (V) to 5472 (H) × 3648 (V) |
24.98 over | 10 |
*1 These modes can be used together with the global reset shutter function.
*2 In vertical arbitrary cropping area from type 1 approx. 20.48M pixels (3:2) all-pixel scan area is readout with 10-bit output.
*Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation reserves the right to change products and specifications without prior notice.
This product is designed for consumer use applications, so the quality and reliability of the product are also the consumer use application range. This quality and reliability range should be kept in mind when using this product for other than consumer use applications.
VOICE
The IMX183CQJ-J/CLK-J 20.48M-pixel CMOS image sensors have been newly developed for customers desiring image sensors with multi pixel for industrial applications. We developed both a color product (IMX183CQJ-J) and a monochrome product (IMX183CLK-J), and hope that customers will consider adopting these products for various applications.
This is very exciting news! A few seconds 480 fps and hopefully 2-3 minutes 240 fps at HD resolution is really something I am looking forward to. Cant wait for the announcements.
In a few years time, 4k 120fps and 4k 240fps will be the norm with 1080p 960fps being a side effect of the need for faster frame rates at higher resolutions. It will be a great future for frame rates for sure.