AMI Semiconductor, AMIS-722402

2400dpi CMOS Image Sensor with Selectable Resolution

News Release from: AMI Semiconductor
13/09/2006

AMI Semiconductor has announced what is said to be the industry's first commercially available 2400dpi CMOS image sensor. The highly integrated and cost-effective AMIS-722402 allows the selection of 2400, 1200, 600, or 300dpi resolutions while delivering low power and low noise operation in scanners, check readers, office automation equipment, printers, and other imaging-based peripherals.

Based on AMI Semiconductor’s proprietary CMOS image sensing technology, the new sensor combines, on a single IC, 1376 active pixels with an on-chip output amplifier, power down circuitry and parallel transfer functionality. Sensors are designed to be cascaded end-to-end on a PCB and packaged in an image-sensing module.

The AMIS-722402 incorporates a number of features designed to ensure optimum performance. These include a pixel-to-pixel offset cancellation circuit that reduces fixed pattern noise (FPN) and amplifier offsets while improving optical linearity and low noise sensitivity. A parallel ‘integrate, transfer and hold’ feature optimises sensor response by allowing sensor read out to occur at the same time as photon integration.

Designed to operate from a 3.3V power supply, the AMIS-722402 incorporates a power saving feature that minimises power consumption when multiple sensors are cascaded together to form a linear imaging array. This is achieved through circuitry that powers up the sensor output amplifier only when read out from that sensor is required. Sensor resolution is selected via two ‘select resolution inputs’ and, unlike a CCD array, all resolutions can operate with the same clock frequency.

Jon Stoner, senior vice president of the AMIS Image Sensor division, comments, “There is a continuing demand for printers, scanners and other imaging equipment to deliver higher levels of resolution. The new AMIS-722402 provides high-resolution capability at a competitive price. The system advantages of a CMOS solution provide OEMs with greater functionality and flexibility for their applications."