Cypress Introduces SXGA CMOS Image Sensor

San Jose, CA - Cypress Semiconductor Corp. recently announced the commercial sampling of a high-sensitivity, high-speed SXGA (Super Extended Graphics Array) resolution CMOS image sensor. The new 1.3 Mega pixel LUPA-1300-2 sensor is the industry's first to offer a triggered and pipelined synchronous shutter and on-chip digital LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) outputs. Developed for machine vision and motion analysis applications, the image sensor features a high frame rate of 500 frames-per-second (f_ps) and windowing capability that delivers undistorted images and fast readout.

The LUPA-1300-2 features a fully synchronous snapshot shutter, making it possible to read one image while the next is being acquired and to capture moving objects without distortion. The sensor has 12, 10-bit digital LVDS outputs that allow image data to be transferred over longer distances on the circuit board, thus simplifying layout. The windowing capability enables the user to read out only regions of interest in the image, increasing the effective frame rate. It also has a multiple slope capability to maintain good contrast in shadowed regions without saturating bright areas in scenes with a high contrast ratio.

"The combination of exceptionally high sensitivity, fast frame rate, snapshot shutter mode, and digital LVDS outputs offered by the LUPA-1300-2 is unmatched by other SXGA CMOS image sensors," said Cliff Drowley, vice president of Cypress's image sensor business unit. "Cypress is committed to meeting market demand for innovative high-speed image acquisition solutions with higher frame rates and more integrated features for a wide range of applications, including motion analysis, robotics, tracking, industrial inspection and metrology."

The LUPA-1300-2 has 1280 x 1024 pixels with 14-micron x 14-micron pixel size. The image sensor integrates a programmable offset and gain amplifier for each channel of the LVDS outputs. Each channel runs at a 61 MHz pixel rate, which results in 500 fps frame rate at full resolution. Higher frame rates can be achieved by windowed or sub-sampled readout modes, which are all programmable over the SPI interface. All internal exposure and read-out timings are generated by an on-board sequencer. The intra-scene dynamic range can be increased by using the flexible multiple slope operation mode. The LUPA-1300-2 also features a 10-bit on-chip analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for digital output and on-chip timing control for easy application development. The image sensor, developed at Cypress's Mechelen, Belgium facility, is currently available in monochrome with an RGB version in development.

Cypress Image Sensors

Cypress's broad CMOS image sensor portfolio delivers high-performance sensors for custom and high-end digital photography; ultra high-speed imaging solutions for automotive safety, machine vision and motion analysis; and consumer-oriented solutions including large-format printers. CMOS image sensors complement Cypress's technology and market strengths and expand Cypress's existing presence in numerous complementary markets where it sells a broad array of timing and USB solutions, configurable microcontrollers and memories.

SOURCE: Cypress Semiconductor Corp.