Selecting the best image
sensor for each new camera requires carefully studying key
specifications, including:
| • Optical format |
• Resolution |
| • Sensitivity |
• Noise |
| • Dark current |
• Dynamic range |
| • Frame rate |
• Interface
requirements (power, signal processing, etc.) |
Developers
of leading-edge cameras have been convinced for several years that
sensors with CMOS imaging System-on-Chip (iSoC) technology are the best
for meeting all these specifications for high-performance HD broadcast,
machine-vision, surveillance, and videoconferencing applications, as
well as for dual-mode camcorders (both HDV and AVCHD). CMOS iSoC sensors
perform most noise management and signal processing on the chip itself,
thus reducing the time required for processing and the amount of
processing that needs to be designed into the camera. CMOS circuitry
itself consumes less power than traditional CCD technology, and is less
expensive to produce.
AltaSens is an acknowledged leader in
CMOS iSoC sensors, supplying 12 bits per pixel from its
ProCamHD™ line of high-definition sensors since the company's official launch in February 2004. Today,
AltaSens has introduced the next-generation AltaChrome™ family of
sensors, which uses advanced
4T-Pinned-Photodiode and low-noise architecture to deliver at least 12
bits per pixel with 20-bit iSoC signal processing.
While the competition
works overtime to develop sensors with faster video rates, higher
dynamic range, and iSoC technology that produces at least 10 bits of
useful data at standard optical formats, they often create sensors with large pixel size, high sensor
power consumption, and/or slow frame rates. Our sensors are migrating beyond 12 bits with
variable bit depth – even while maintaining the other key attributes
that distinguish AltaSens sensors,
including competitive pixel pitch and multi-megapixel resolution at the
highest HD/UHD video rates yet offered. AltaChrome
sensors currently deliver low-noise
progressive video at 2, 5, and 8 Megapixel resolutions, at a frame rate
of up to 72 Hz. Optionally, AltaChrome sensors produce 14 to 16 bits per pixel at up
to 60 Hz using AltaSens' patent-pending BitsDReam™
technology.
BitsDReam technology from AltaSens enriches the already
high dynamic range supplied by our AltaChrome family of 4T CMOS HD image
sensors. Using support from the camera or, on the latest sensor models,
embedded within the iSoC, BitsDReam boosts exposure latitude by a
minimum of several f-stops while maintaining maximum frame rate of at
least 30 fps.
In addition to low noise at high video rates via AltaChrome
and dynamic range enrichment and management via BitsDReam,
AltaSens is continuing to smartly integrate key iSoC IP. Our
newest AltaChrome sensors complement the latest BitsDReam
IP with advanced pixel design and CMOS process to deliver at least 12
and up to 14 bits of full-resolution (2.1 million pixels)
high-definition video – even though the sensor's 1/3-inch optical format requires
pixel pitch of only 2.7 microns! Subsequent iSoC implementations of
BitsDReam
will seamlessly push sensor dynamic range and exposure latitude to
unprecedented levels with uncompromised progressive resolution, while
further simplifying camera support requirements and reducing power
dissipation, complexity, and size.
For more information,
visit our Products page.
Capture the ultimate image with AltaSens products!
Demonstrations
To see the quality of
video output from AltaSens' latest high-speed sensors, you can view
clips from the feature film "Spoons" at the
video gallery of our
partner, Silicon Imaging.
White Papers