What are CMOS Image Sensors?

CMOS Image Sensors are semiconductor devices that are used to capture images and videos. Cameras in all smart phones, laptops and other portable devices are developed using these devices. Until recently, Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) dominated most image sensing systems. However of late, CMOS Imaging has emerged as an alternative to CCD imagers due to its size, performance and pricing.

A CMOS Image sensor consists of an array of pixel sensors, each pixel has an amplifier integrated in to it. This allows for a parallel reach out, where each pixel can be addressed individually. When light/photons fall on the pixel/sensor, they are converted to a digital signal based on the intensity of the photon. The intensity of the photon varies based on the wavelength of the light. This data is then processed by microprocessor and converted in to an image.

When selecting a CMOS Image Sensor, the following parameters are important:

Pixels: Each image consist of a number of pixels, the larger the number of pixels the sharper the image. Most camera phones now have over 5 Mega Pixels which translates to 5 Million Pixels.

Supply Voltage: This is the voltage that the CMOS Image sensor requires to operate. If the Image sensor is integrated in to a mobile device, it is important that the operating voltage be low, like 3 V so that it can be powered by the common battery of the device.

Resolution: The resolution is the capability of a sensor to observe an object with distinct boundaries. The resolution of an image sensor depends on the size of the pixel, i.e the smaller the pixel the higher the resolution and the clearer the image taken.

Gophotonics has listed CMOS Image Sensors from the leading companies. Use the parametric search tool to find products based on your requirements.