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Sony Pregius® Global Shutter CMOS

High-Speed CMOS Sensor with Distortion-Free Global Shutter Technology

Sony's Pregius global shutter CMOS technology truly fulfills its promise: crisp, clear, distortion-free images at high speeds. With Pregius, Sony does more than provide a migration path from their most popular CCD sensors. Pregius offers significant performance gains, and with its newly announced third generation, additional on-sensor features.

Learn about Sony's 3rd generation sensors: IMX420 CMOS

Pregius CMOS Comparison Charts

 

Third Generation Pregius

The third generation of Pregius global shutter sensors introduces a new pixel size as well as new on-sensor features.

New Pixel Size & Speed Updates

A 4.5 µm pixel size balances the saturation capacity of the first generation 5.86 µm pixel with the resolution of generation two’s 3.45 µm pixel. Generation three maintains the low read noise and high quantum efficiency Pregius sensors are known for while offering over 5dB more dynamic range than previous generations. In terms of speed, a new SLVS-EC internal interface doubles the sensor’s bandwidth compared to second generation devices. The first device, the IMX420, can output an impressive 12-bit 7.1 MP images at up to 134 frames per second.

Sony Pregius Roadmap

Sony has offered a migration path from its most popular CCD sensors to higher performing global shutter CMOS sensors.

Megapixels Optical Format Outgoing Sony CCD Replacement Sony Pregius Resolution Pixel Size (μm)
0.33 → 0.4 1/4" → 1/2.9" ICX618 IMX287 728 x 544 6.9
0.33 → 0.5 1/2" ICX414 To Be Announced    
1.3 → 1.6 1/3" → 1/2.9" ICX445 IMX273 1456 x 1008 3.45
2.0 1/1.8" → 1/1.7" ICX274 IMX422 1632 x 1248 4.5
1.5 → 2.3 2/3"  → 1/1.2" ICX825 IMX174 1936 x 1216 5.86
2.8 2/3 ICX674 IMX421
USB3: Mono, Color		 1944 x 1472 4.5
2.8 → 3.2 1/1.8" ICX687 IMX252 2064 x 1544 3.45
4.1 → 5.1 1/1.8" → 2/3" ICX808 IMX250 2464 x 2056 3.45
6.0 → 7.1 1" ICX694

IMX428

USB3: Color, Mono
GigE: Color, Mono

 3216 x 2208 4.5
9.0 1" ICX814 IMX255 4112 x 2176 3.45
12.0 1" → 1.1" ICX834 IMX253 4112 x 3008 3.45

Pregius S Update

The Sony Pregius family of global shutter CMOS sensors delivers crisp, distortion-free images. Continuing a legacy of compact performance, the fourth generation Pregius S literally turns the rules of sensor design upside-down. Pregius S uses Back Side Illuminated (BSI) sensor design to reduce pixel size and increase resolution while improving quantum efficiency (QE) and sensitivity.

BSI.png

BSI sensors invert the traditional front illuminated sensor design making it easier for photons to enter each pixel’s light sensitive photodiode.

Delivering high resolutions in compact sensor packages without sacrificing imaging performance, Pregius S sensors reduce system costs and increase throughput.

Application Advantages

Application

Pregius Generation

Feature

Benefit

Biomedical, Microscopy

Pregius

Higher Quantum Efficiency, Low (better) Absolute Sensitivity

Maximize sensitivity in low light, reliably detect weak signals

Semiconductor Process Control

Third Generation Pregius & Pregius S

Pixel density, NIR-Perfomance

See smaller defects further below surface

Metrology

Pregius S

High pixel density

Precise measurements of large objects

Benchtop or handheld devices

Pregius S

High Pixel Density, tolerance for very compact lenses

More compact and lighter designs possible

To learn about the 4th Generation Sony Pregius S global shutter sensor, click here.