Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release SWIR Image Sensor for Industrial Applications with Industry-Leading 5.32 Effective Megapixels
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Contributing to the evolution of various industrial equipment with an expanded lineup delivering high-resolution and low-light performance
ATSUGI, Japan, Nov. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) today announced the upcoming release of the IMX992 short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) image sensor for industrial equipment, with the industry's highest(*1) pixel count, at 5.32 effective megapixels.
The new sensor uses SSS's proprietary Cu-Cu connection to achieve the industry's smallest(*1) pixel size of 3.45 m among SWIR image sensors. It also features an optimized pixel structure for efficiently capturing light, enabling high-definition imaging across a broad spectrum ranging from the visible to invisible short-wavelength infrared regions (wavelength: 0.4 to 1.7 m). Furthermore, new shooting modes deliver high-quality images with significantly reduced noise in dark environments compared to conventional products.
In addition to this product, SSS will also release the IMX993 with a pixel size of 3.45 m and an effective pixel count of 3.21 megapixels to further expand its SWIR image sensor lineup. These new SWIR image sensors with high pixel counts and high sensitivity will help contribute to the evolution of various industrial equipment.
*1 Among SWIR image sensors using indium-gallium arsenide (InGaAs). According to SSS research. (As of announcement on
November 29, 2023.)
Sample shipment
date (planned)
Model name
IMX992 1/1.4-type (11.4 mm diagonal) Ceramic PGA package
with February 2024
5.32-effective-megapixel SWIR image built-in thermoelectric
sensor cooling device
Ceramic LGA package February 2024
IMX993 1/1.8-type (8.9 mm diagonal) Ceramic PGA package
with February 2024
3.21-effective-megapixel SWIR image built-in thermoelectric
sensor cooling device
Ceramic LGA package February 2024
In the industrial equipment domain in recent years, there has been increasing demand for improving productivity and preventing defective products from leaving the plant. In this context, the capacity to sense not only visible light but also light in the invisible band is in demand. SSS's SWIR image sensors, which are capable of seamless wide spectrum imaging in the visible to invisible short-wavelength infrared range using a single camera, are already being used in various processes such as semiconductor wafer bonding and defect inspection, as well as ingredient and contaminant inspections in food production.
The new sensors enable imaging with higher resolution using pixel miniaturization, while enhancing imaging performance in low-light environments to provide higher quality imaging in inspection and monitoring applications conducted in darker conditions. By making the most of the characteristics of short-wavelength infrared light, whose light reflection and absorption properties are different from those of visible light, these products help to further expand applications in such areas as inspection, recognition and measurement, thereby contributing to improved industrial productivity.
Main Features
-- High pixel count made possible by the industry's smallest(*1) pixels at
3.45 m, delivering high-resolution imagingA Cu-Cu connection is used
between the indium-gallium arsenide (InGaAs) layer that forms the
photodiode of the light receiving unit and the silicon (Si) layer that
forms the readout circuit. This design allows for a smaller pixel pitch,
resulting in the industry's smallest(*1) pixel size of 3.45 m. This, in
turn, helps achieve a compact form factor that still delivers the
industry's highest(*1) pixel count of approximately 5.32 effective
megapixels on the IMX992, and approximately 3.21 effective megapixels on
the IMX993. The higher pixel count enables detection of tiny objects or
imaging across a wide range, contributing to significantly improved
recognition and measurement precision in various inspections using
short-wavelength infrared light.
-- Low-noise imaging even in dark locations possible by switching the
shooting modeInclusion of new shooting modes enables low-noise imaging
without being affected by environmental brightness. In dark environments
with limited light, High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode directly amplifies
the signal with minimal noise after being converted to an electrical
signal from light, thereby relatively reducing the amount of noise
downstream. Doing so minimizes the impact of noise in dark locations,
leading to greater recognition precision. On the other hand, in bright
environments with plenty of light, Low Conversion Gain (LCG) mode
enables imaging prioritizing the dynamic range.Furthermore, enabling
Dual Read Rolling Shutter (DRRS)(*2) outputs images from the sensor in
two distinct types. These images are then composited on the camera to
acquire an image with significantly reduced noise.
*2 To use DRRS, the downstream system must have frame memory to perform image
calculation.
-- Optimized pixel structure for high-sensitivity imaging across a wide
rangeSSS's SWIR image sensors employ a thinner indium-phosphorous (InP)
layer on top, which would otherwise inevitably absorb visible light,
thereby allowing visible light to reach the indium-gallium arsenide
(InGaAs) layer underneath, delivering high quantum efficiency even in
the visible wavelength. The new products deliver even higher quantum
efficiency by optimizing the pixel structure, enabling more uniform
sensitivity characteristics across a wide wavelength band from 0.4 to
1.7 m. Minimizing the image quality differences between wavelengths
makes it possible to use the image sensor in a variety of industrial
applications and contributes to improved reliability in inspection,
recognition, and measurement applications.
Related Links
Information on SenSWIR(TM), SSS's short-wavelength infrared image sensor technology:
https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/technology/industry/senswir.html
IMX992 and IMX993 product website:
https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/products/is/industry/swir/imx992-993.html
Key Specifications
Model name
IMX992
IMX993
Effective pixels 2592 × 2056 (H × V) 2080 × 1544 (H × V)
Approx. 5.32 megapixels Approx. 3.21 megapixels
Image size Diagonal 11.4 mm (1/1.4 Diagonal 8.9 mm (1/1.8
type) type)
Unit cell size 3.45 m × 3.45 m (H × V) 3.45 m × 3.45 m (H ×
V)
Frame All
rate pixels
8 bit: 130 fps 8 bit: 170 fps
10 bit: 120 fps 10 bit: 150 fps
12 bit: 70 fps 12 bit: 90 fps
Power supply 1.2 V, 1.8 V, 2.2 V, 3.3 1.2 V, 1.8 V, 2.2V, 3.3
V V
2.2 V (pixels) 2.2 V (pixels)
Main features Global shutter,*3 digital Global shutter,*3
digital
thermometer, ROI thermometer, ROI
Output SLVS (2 ch/4 ch/8 ch) SLVS (2 ch/4 ch/8 ch)
MIPI (2 lane/4 lane) MIPI (2 lane/4 lane)
Package size Ceramic PGA with built- Ceramic PGA with built-
in in
thermoelectric cooling thermoelectric cooling
device: device:
30.0 mm × 30.0 mm (H × V) 30.0 mm × 30.0 mm (H ×
V)
Ceramic LGA:
Ceramic LGA:
21.0 mm × 20.0 mm (H × V) 21.0 mm × 20.0 mm (H ×
V)
*3 Rolling shutter when DRRS is
enabled.
Note: SenSWIR and the SenSWIR logo are the registered trademarks or trademarks of the Sony Group Corporation or
its affiliated companies.
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SOURCE Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
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