200-MP image sensor features 0.56-µm pixel

Omnivision has introduced its first image sensor using the company’s 0.56-µm pixel technology. The new OVB0A is one of the industry’s smallest 200-megapixel (MP) image sensors with a pixel size of 0.56 µm. The image sensor is designed for rear-facing (wide-angle) main cameras in high-end smartphones.

(Source: Omnivision)

Omnivision announced the pixel technology breakthrough earlier this year. Lindsay Grant, Omnivision’s senior vice president of process engineering, told Electronic Products, that the company developed the 0.56-µm pixel without compromising quantum efficiency (QE) and quad phase detection (QPD) autofocus performance. The QPD and QE performance of the OVB0B is said to be comparable to the performance of the company’s 0.61-µm pixel in the visible light range.

Omnivision attributes the development of the 0.56-µm pixel design to a CMOS image sensor-dedicated 28-nm process node and 22-nm logic process node at TSMC, with a new pixel transistor layout and 2×4 shared pixel architecture. The pixel is based on Omnivision’s PureCel Plus-S stacking technology, and deep photodiode technology, which embeds the photodiode deeper into the silicon.

Thanks to the PureCel Plus-S stacked-die technology the 200-MP image sensor can maintain high resolution in the smaller 0.56-µm pixel size with a 1/1.4-inch optical form factor. In addition, Omnivision said the OVB0A image sensor delivers the best low-light performance in its class thanks to its 16-cell binning capability.

The OVB0A image sensor offers excellent low-light performance thanks to its 16-cell binning capability. Click for a larger image. (Source: Omnivision)

The OVB0A sensor also offers selective conversion gain that enables the optimum balance between low-light image quality and high dynamic range (HDR), according to the company. “This allows smartphone OEMs to optimize HDR performance for contrasting light and dark areas in any scene,” said Omnivision.

The company plans to apply the 0.56-µm pixel technology to applications other than smartphones. “In the past we have utilized small pixel technologies developed for smartphones in other applications such as security and automotive. By binning groups of pixels, we can provide our customers with added features and better image quality,” Omnivision told Electronic Products.

The 200-MP image sensor uses 16-cell binning to deliver video capture of 12.5 MP/4K at 120 frames per second (fps). It achieves 12.5 MP/4K at 60 fps with 2-exposure staggered HDR timing and an on-chip remosaic function enables 8K video and 2× crop zoom (with HDR) at 12.5 MP.

The image sensor supports CPHY, DPHY, and dual DOVDD (1.8 V and 1.2 V). Other features include automatic black level calibration and programmable controls for frame rate, mirror & flip, binning, cropping, and windowing.

Samples will be available in the fourth quarter of 2022.