Image sensor carries super-small BSI global shutter pixel

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. announced the smallest-ever pixel size of 2.2 microns for a backside-illuminated (BSI), global shutter (GS) image sensor. The new OG01A sensor combines PureCel Plus-S pixel technology and Nyxel near-infrared (NIR) technology to enable optimal performance and precision along with industry-leading NIR quantum efficiency (QE). This sensor is ideal for a wide range of consumer and industrial applications that need a global shutter to avoid motion blur, along with top NIR performance for low- and no-light conditions.

The OG01A is well-suited to multiple machine-vision applications, including AR/VR headsets, drones, robots, and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), as well as facial authentication in smartphones and other consumer electronics. This technology is also ideal for automotive in-cabin driver state monitoring and eye tracking.

The 1-megapixel OG01A image sensor provides 1280×1024 resolution at 120 frames per second (fps) and 640×480 resolution at 240 fps in a compact 1/5 inch optical format. High shutter efficiency allows for cleaner motion capture and a high dynamic range. The sensor’s low-light sensitivity is also excellent, with significantly lower gain than the typical 3.0-micron pixel size for an improved signal-to-noise ratio.

The sensor’s high modulation transfer function (MTF) enables sharper images with greater contrast and more detail, which is especially important for enhancing decision-making processes in machine vision applications. The OG01A also has a high QE of 40% at 940nm and 60% at 850nm. This industry-leading QE enables the sensor to see farther and better in low- and no-light conditions, which allows designers to use less IR LED light and achieve lower system-level power consumption. For AR/VR headsets, this reduces heat generation. For industrial and robotics applications, designers can use fewer IR LEDs for lower system cost, or use the same number of IR LEDs to achieve a greater image detection range.

Samples are available now.