Panavision Imaging is launching a new, advanced CMOS image sensor. The D11-3.2Mp DYNAMAX-11 (D11) with global shutter technology that significantly improves image quality for both indoor and outdoor applied industrial imaging applications. PVI’s new D11 technology platform will be the basis for a full CMOS image sensor product portfolio, targeting markets such as Machine Vision, Intelligent Traffic Systems, Security, Surveillance, Life Sciences, Scientific Imaging, Biometrics and HDTV camcorders.
“In keeping with Panavision’s tradition of excellence, PVI is committed to delivering CMOS image sensors with exceptional imaging performance to the market,” said Derrick Boston, President and CEO of Panavision Imaging. “This new D11 technology platform was specifically developed with features to enhance the imager’s performance, such as ultra-high frame rates, wide dynamic range and ultra-low noise, as well as either global shutter or rolling shutter operation modes.”
“Panavision Imaging’s patented Active Column Sensor (ACS) technology has demonstrated advantages over competing imaging technologies such as CCD and CMOS Active Pixel Sensor (APS) technology,” said Jeff Zarnowski, Chief Technology Officer of PVI.
The D11-3.2Mp imager features a 5.0μm pixel, 2/3” optical format with regions of interest (ROI) in a 16:9 HDTV format. The imager contains a programmable timing engine offering maximum flexibility with minimal external components. A distributed Analog to Digital converter (D/ADTM) eliminates gain variations between rows and the closed loop feedback of ACS allows for high gain per column. The D/ADTM allows for variable bit depth from 8 to 12 bits. Flexible High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging is achieved by utilizing two data words per row, for dual gain or dual integration. The dual gain or dual integration data can be kept separate on the dual words for proper post processing for enhanced image rendering. Dynamax 11 allows for either single row or dual row readout. Single row readout is utilized for the lowest power consumption, and dual row readout is used for higher speed and longer line times for dual gain per row or Correlated Multi-Sampling (CMS). CMS can be used to further reduce noise, add gain or achieve greater bit depth.
“With the four row readout, which allows 120 frame per second operation with full resolution, this new D11-3.2Mp imager is a perfect fit for applications requiring high speed,” said Jim Tan, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing of PVI. “Also, the D11-3.2Mp imager has been designed with more than 120dB scene wide dynamic range which is ideal for outdoor imaging applications, such as Intelligent Traffic Systems.”
With these advancements, camera manufacturers who develop products with the D11-3.2Mp CMOS image sensor will have full access to new levels of competitive performance. Their next-generation cameras will provide improved throughput and quality, and expand their capabilities of imaging systems for their customers. Both color and monochrome engineering grade devices of the D11-3.2Mp CLCC package are
currently released to certain PVI customers, with volume production planned by early 2012.
See Panavision for more details.