Cypress Semiconductor has designed a custom back-side illuminated CMOS image sensor for a satellite imaging application from NEC Toshiba Space Systems.
The company claims that the new image sensor combines BSI architecture with a digital output interface, enabling analysis from space of hyperspectral images that capture information from across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Its back-side illumination (BSI) architecture is expected to increase the amount of light and the spectral range that can be captured by each pixel, delivering ultra-high-sensitivity images. BSI also enables use of noise reduction techniques such as correlated double sampling without hampering spectral response or sensitivity.
The programme manager of NEC Toshiba Space Systems, said: “We selected Cypress for this project based on their experience in designing and back-side illuminated products and radiation-tolerant CMOS sensors for space as well as for their global shuttering technology. The imager’s ability to deliver highly detailed images at fast speeds is applicable to many applications beyond space.”
In addition, its imager integrates Cypress’ global-shutter technology with the ability to read one frame while the next is being captured.
Cypress and NEC expect the design to be in space-qualified flight models by mid-2010. The sensor is expected to be available for other space and military applications after flight qualification is completed.
Cypress will be demonstrating its new CMOS image sensor at the 2009 image sensing show in Yokohama, Japan from June 10-12, 2009.
