Aptina 1/3 inch HD image sensor with unique global shutter function

Aptina, a leading innovator in CMOS imaging technology, today announced that with the introduction of the MT9M031 and MT9M021 image sensors, the company has added new members to its growing portfolio of high-performance imaging solutions. These sensors integrate Aptina's most compact high-performance global shutter technology for high-speed image capture into 1/3-inch optical format high-definition devices. The low-light-performing, 3.75-micron global shuttering pixels can stop motion without the artifacts normally found in traditional rolling shutter pixels. These sensors will improve camera performance for a range of applications because their surveillance, machine vision, 2D scanning, and fast image capture require global shutter technology. The new sensor performs performance upgrades for the current WVGA global shutter sensor design, providing 720p HD video at frame rates of 60fps in the harshest environments.

David Zimpfer, general manager of Aptina's automotive industry business unit, said: "With more than 10 years of research on global shutter pixel optimization and shrinkage, we are excited to announce our latest progress in high performance global shutter technology. By shrinking the global shutter pixels At 3.75 micron, we are able to provide high-speed motion capture in the standard 1/3-inch optical format and high-definition resolution."

The MT9M021 and MT9M031 provide many benefits for camera designers, enabling excellent imaging performance in video applications such as 2D bar code scanning, point-of-sale bar code scanning, factory automation inspection equipment, traffic cameras and high-speed surveillance cameras. The sensor's 1/3-inch optical format (industry standard) makes it easy to find cost-effective megapixel lenses. Thanks to Aptina's leading 3.75-micron global shutter pixel performance, the new sensor provides superior image quality and captures 720p/60 video in low-light conditions. In addition, trigger mode and flash sync support 3D/stereo vision and license reading applications.

Global Shutter Technology Aptina's global shutter technology combines innovative pixel, circuit, and process design techniques to capture clear images and improve the image quality of digital and video cameras even when objects are moving fast. With the global shutter technology, all pixels in the imaging array start or stop exposure at the same time. This is in stark contrast to traditional roller blind shutters, which can only start or stop exposing one line at a time, which can lead to distortion and artifacts in fast moving object images. As a result, Aptina's global shutter technology improves the quality and functionality of machine vision, automotive, surveillance and scanning cameras.