Accelerating the Sensing world through imaging evolution

Abstract

The evolution of CMOS image sensors (CIS) and the future prospect of a “Sensing” world utilizing advanced imaging technologies promise to improve our quality of life by sensing everything, everywhere, every time. Charge Coupled Device image sensors replaced video camera tubes, allowing the introduction of compact video cameras as consumer products. CIS now dominates the market for digital still cameras created by its predecessor and, with the advent of column-parallel ADCs and back-illuminated technologies, outperforms them. CIS's achieve better signal to noise ratio, lower power consumption, and higher frame rate. Stacked CIS's continue to enhance functionality and user experience in mobile devices, a market that currently comprises over several billion units per year. CIS imaging technologies promise to accelerate the progress of a sensing world by continuously improving sensitivity, extending detectable wave-lengths, and further improving depth resolution and temporal resolution.