ON Semiconductor – a Fortune 1000 semiconductor supplier company – announced new sensors that provide 4K resolution, global shutter and high frame rates in a 1-inch platform.
As stated in the press release, “The X-Class image sensor platform enables a new dimension in camera design by supporting multiple CMOS pixel architectures within the same image sensor frame. This allows a single camera design not only to support multiple product resolutions, but also different pixel functionality, such as larger pixels that trade resolution in a given optical format for higher imaging sensitivity, designs optimized for low noise operation to increase dynamic range and more. By supporting these different pixel architectures through a common high bandwidth, low power interface, camera manufacturers can leverage existing parts inventory and accelerate time to market for new camera designs”.
Design flexibility
According to the product blog, this technology has the potential to allow camera manufactures the privilege to bring new camera models to market. That would be a clear competitive advantage.
1-inch sensor, 4K resolution, Global Shutter and 120 fps
There are two initial sensor designs in the X-Class family: the XGS 12000 and XGS 8000. Both of them share similarities regarding performance and specs.
The XGS 8000 is a 8.8 Mp (4096 x 2160) 4K / UHD resolution Global Shutter CMOS image sensor in a 1/1.1-inch optical format, supporting up to 120 frames per second readout at full resolution. The XGS 1200 is a 12.6 Mp (4096 x 3072) CMOS image sensor in a 1-inch optical format, supporting up to 90 frames per second readout at full resolution.
