Toshiba Develops 1/4 Inch 330,000 Pixel Image Sensor Utilizing Common CMOS Process Technology 5 February, 1997
The prototype CMOS sensor operates with single 5V power supply. It consumes only 30mW, approximately 1/10 of the power of a CCD. The potential advantages of CMOS are attracting widespread industry attention as an alternative to CCDs in image sensors. In this emerging area, Toshiba's prototype image sensor represents a major breakthrough in achieving CMOS pixel cells small enough for application in commercial products. Toshiba has optimized the pixel cell circuit structure to shrink its size and achieve new levels of integration. Each pixel cell, with such basic elements as photodiodes and transistors, is packed into 5.6 x 5.6 square microns, approximately 30% smaller than other CMOS pixel cells already announced. The new prototype sensor was fabricated using the 0.6 micron design rule CMOS technology. It is designed to support the 640 x480 pixel VGA format, and is suitable for application in products. (2) CMOS sensors can be driven at a single, low level voltage, while CCD image sensors requires three separate levels of power supply, up to a maximum of 15V. The CMOS specification contributes to easier camera design and system integration. (3) A low power consumption level, around 1/10 that of CCD. Recent progress in the digitization of information, communications and image sources is promoting increased combination of image data and other data sources. CMOS sensors are attracting attention, as the realization of commercial devices has the potential to contribute to the development of novel information and communications systems utilizing camera functions, as well as contributing to more compact, high performance digital cameras. Toshiba's new device achieves a breakthrough in the trade-off between high resolution images and compact camera size. The CMOS sensor will be announced at the International Solid State Circuits Conference held from February 6 to 9 at San Francisco, California. The technology will be also presented at Tomorrow 21, an exhibition of Toshiba technologies, at Tokyo International Forum from March 4 to 9. Major Specifications
|
![]() |
Information in the press releases, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the press announcement,but is subject to change without prior notice. |