CCD enhancement delivers excellent low-light performance

The device suits light levels from sunlight to starlight and from highlights to shadows, thereby extending the imaging capability of a single camera system, useful for light-starved applications such as surveillance, military, medical imaging and intelligent transportation systems.

Deploying an innovative output circuit design, the KAE-02150 enables high-dynamic range imaging by allowing either conventional CCD (low-gain) or EMCCD (high-gain) outputs to be utilised on a pixel-by-pixel basis within the same image. Charge from each individual pixel is measured and the signal level is compared to a user selectable threshold in the camera system to determine where each charge packet is routed. Pixels from very low-light regions of the scene can be selectively routed to the EMCCD output, while pixels from bright regions of the image, which would usually saturate an EMCCD register and distort the image, are routed to the conventional CCD output amplifier. This intra-scene switchable gain feature allows signals from both outputs to be re-combined, allowing one camera to properly render bright regions in a dark field of view and enabling dynamic compensation under changing conditions, such as headlights entering or leaving an unlit car park.

Based on the TRUESENSE 5.5µm IT-CCD platform, the KAE-series features global shutter, excellent image uniformity, and high modulation transfer function. The IT-CCD platform is utilised in a broad portfolio of devices ranging from 1 to 29MP, and the series is expected to be expanded in the future to include additional optical formats, resolutions, and pixel sizes.

“As the first device to leverage our IT EMCCD technology, the KAE-02150 Image Sensor delivers a revolutionary solution to the industry,” declared Chris McNiffe, Vice President, Image Sensor Business Unit, ON Semiconductor. “By extending the superb image quality and uniformity of CCD devices into the extreme low-light regime, customers in industrial markets now have access to a new level of performance under the most challenging imaging conditions. This is a clear demonstration of ON Semiconductor’s unique ability to bring the most advanced imaging solutions to our customers by leveraging its expansive base of imaging technologies.”

The KAE-02150 image sensor is available now for samples, and will be available in monochrome and bayer colour configurations. An evaluation kit including hardware and software will also be available by the end of 2014, allowing customers to tailor the device to their needs.