High sensitivity sensor designed for better surveillance

25th October 2017

Lanna Deamer

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Datasheet

Sony Semiconductors has released its new STARVIS IMX327 sensor as a more sensitive successor to the IMX290. The 2.1MP sensor, with a 1/2.8" optical format, has a 1920x1080 pixel array utilising a 2.9µm pixel size. The IMX327 reaches a frame rate of 60fps at 12 bits. With its high sensitivity and low light performance, the sensor is suitable for security and surveillance applications as well as for factory automation and industrial solutions.

The sensor, along with additional support services, are available from global imaging expert FRAMOS.

The IMX327 features the STARVIS technology brings a back-illuminated pixel to the CMOS sensor providing a sensitivity of 2376mV which is combined with an SNR1s of 0.18lux, making this sensor suitable for tracking and monitoring under low light conditions (SNR1s is a Sony proprietary index and is limited to their security sensors).

The sensor delivers high image quality in the visible light and near infrared light spectrums. High sensitivity, low dark current noise and no smear are characteristics of this sensor that provide image reproduction and, when combined with improved RGB colour mosaic filters, colour reproduction with little to no additional processing. These chips feature an electronic rolling shutter with variable charge-integration time that allows more flexibility in capturing precisely illuminated snapshots.

Sibel Yorulmaz-Cokugur, Line Manager and sensor expert at FRAMOS, summarised the IMX327 benefits: “The sensor comes with an exceptional sensitivity and low light performance. Featuring the STARVIS technology, points of interest can be seen even in dark environments for increased analysis and detection. In addition, this sensor provides a very low price to performance ratio making it ideal for many cost sensitive applications.”

To further enhance the image quality provided by the IMX327, Sony includes a High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature, with multiple exposures and digital overlap HDR. An anti-reflective coating version is available to enhance light transmission through the sensor cover glass, achieving even higher performance with a sensitivity of 2519mV and SNR1s of 0.17lux.

The sensor has low power consumption, supports I/O switching and provides LVDS or MIPI CSI-2 output interfaces. Evaluation samples are now available from FRAMOS, with mass production planned for Q1 2018.

Industry and product experts at FRAMOS are available to support customers with the integration of these new sensors in their applications and projects. In addition, FRAMOS provides support services for development, customisation, and logistics.