Canon builds the world’s largest cmos image sensor

Canon has succeeded in developing the largest cmos image sensor in the world. The image sensor measures 202x205mm and can therefore just be punched out of a 300mm wafer. The sensor is very sensitive to light due to its large surface.

The giant sensor, a full-frame sensor fits about forty times, has according to Canon’s muscle language is enough for one-hundredth of the amount of light falling on a full-frame sensor to capture an image. This makes it possible to record video at a frame rate of 60fps with only 0.3lux of available light. This makes the sensor suitable for taking pictures of the starry sky, among other things.

To develop the large CMOS image sensor, the researchers had to overcome a number of obstacles. For example, enlarging the image sensor means that reading it causes problems when synchronizing the signals. This is especially important for video recordings. Canon says it has developed special electronics to solve these problems. Special requirements were also imposed on the cleanroom for the production of the sensor, in order to prevent contamination in the wafer.

Canon’s research department has already made itself known. Last week, the Japanese company announced that it had developed a cmos image sensor in aps-h format with 120 megapixels.