A new architecture found in the KODAK KAC-3100 CMOS Image Sensor has been created to dramatically improve CMOS image performance in mobile applications. The method of operation and implementation is explained and the improvement of performance parameters on image quality is discussed. The benefits of the new architecture are discussed in relation to competitive CMOS technologies used in high-demanding mobile imaging applications today.
OVERVIEWIn today's competitive consumer electronics marketplace, design engineers must drive continual innovation. Identifying components that enable sophisticated, feature-rich, and high-quality designs is crucial. This is especially important in devices that incorporate imaging technology, such as camera phones, web cameras, and digital still cameras. For these products, engineers increasingly seek imaging technology that meets or exceeds consumer expectations, thereby enhancing their devices' value and market viability.CMOS image sensors have long offered intrinsic advantages in terms of power, system integration, form factor, and overall system cost. Because the adoption of CMOS technology has been hampered historically by image quality issues, camera designers have primarily relied on CCD technology to provide the image quality required for consumer and professional imaging applications.One compelling option now available to electronics engineers is the use of CMOS image sensors that leverage existing Kodak CMOS technology with new innovative shared-pixel architectures to deliver "charge binning." Three key design elements are used to deliver this increased low-light performance: the four-transistor (4T) pixel architecture, the pinned photodiode, and a shared pixel design. These combine to enhance image quality through improved photosensitivity and reduced noise, as well as to offer novel charge-binning modes of operation that provide further improvements in image quality with reduced resolution. Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 06/27/2016 Terms of Use: http://spiedigitallibrary.org/ss/TermsOfUse.aspx SPIE-IS&T/ Vol. 6069 606903-2 Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 06/27/2016 Terms of Use: http://spiedigitallibrary.org/ss/TermsOfUse.aspx SPIE-IS&T/ Vol. 6069 606903-4 Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 06/27/2016 Terms of Use: http://spiedigitallibrary.org/ss/TermsOfUse.aspx
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