SONY SEMICONDUCTOR INTRODUCES
60 FRAME-PER-SECOND PROGRESSIVE SCAN IT CCD SENSORS
Product Family Includes Progressive-Scan, Dual-Channel Product
That Improves Still and Motion Resolution
Over Interlaced Designs
SAN JOSE, June 19, 1995 -- Sony Semiconductor has introduced a family of 1/3- and 1/2-inch, progressive scan,
interline transfer (IT), charge coupled device (CCD) area sensors that improve still and motion image quality for
digital still cameras, document imaging, factory automation, image processing and computer video teleconferencing
applications. The 1/2-inch format device includes progressive scan CCDs with dual-channel output, permitting these
new CCDs to process 60 frames per second (fps) -- twice the current NTSC standard. In addition, lower cost single-channel
versions are offered in the 1/3-inch format.
The family includes two 1/2-inch sensors with dual-channel output, the black and white ICX074AL-6 and the color
ICX074AK-6. In addition, two 1/3-inch single channel, 30 fps devices are available, the color ICX084AK and black
and white ICX084AL.
By combining the dual-channel and progressive scan capabilities, Sony has developed a sensor that records sharp
still and moving images with full frame resolution. The black and white ICX074AL-6 and color ICX074AK-6 also
incorporate a continuous variable speed, random reset electronic shutter, which eliminates the need for bulky and
costly mechanical shutters.
The progressive scan method obtains signals from each individual pixel during a single exposure period. This means
the unit scans each line of the image sequentially -- unlike interlaced sensors which scan only part of an image's
lines in each pass -- while dual-channel output permits each of these new CCDs to process 60 fps. The dual-channel
devices can also output at 30 fps in single-channel mode if needed.
Conventional CCD image sensors are able to achieve vertical resolution of only about 350 TV lines, because they use
either of two field accumulation techniques to match NTSC broadcasting specifications. The NTSC standard uses two
fields, each of 262.5 scanning lines, interlaced 2:1 to create a single frame. To achieve the appearance of smooth
motion, a conventional CCD (IT structure) mixes the signal charges from two adjacent pixels vertically, to output
262.5 line signals per field (i.e., per single exposure). However, this technique limits the overall vertical
resolution to a level insufficient compared to horizontal resolution in applications such as image measurement,
image processing and still imagery. For these applications, a single exposure must yield vertical resolution
equivalent to horizontal resolution. To resolve this problem, Sony developed a progressive scan image sensor which
does not mix vertical CCD signals.
Conventional interlaced designs employ one of two compromise strategies that attempt to produce sharp stills or
sharp motion. A field accumulation interlaced sensor alternately merges two adjacent lines in the two fields that
compose a complete frame of video during each scan. This design sacrifices vertical resolution. Sony's progressive
scan CCDs produce twice the vertical resolution -- 480 lines to 240 lines -- of field accumulation interlaced CCDs
with an equivalent number of effective pixels.
On the other hand, frame accumulation interlacing, without merging adjacent lines, collects a full frame image but
the difference of the integration periods between the even and odd field can smear a fast action, creating double
images. Manufacturers have had to add mechanical shutters to minimize the problem.
"The high vertical resolution and unheard of frame rates of these new CCDs means they outperform the best of
both interlaced designs combined," said Jean Pierre Laussade, vice president of Sony Semiconductor Company of
America. "These products produce both sharp action and still pictures without resorting to mechanical add-ons."
This simplifies camera design and facilitates miniaturization. The new Sony CCD eliminates the need for mechanical
shutters with a continuous, variable speed electronic shutter that operates from 1/100th second to 1/10,000th second.
The units also employ an asynchronous random trigger shutter.
The new progressive scan sensors can also create square pixels. This facilitates integration with computer-based
applications by eliminating the need for image conversion. Computer applications will also benefit from an RGB
primary filter that helps ensure accurate color reproduction.
With a simple jumper set, the ICX074AL/AK can run in the standard interlace format, enabling standard television
monitors to take advantage of the high-quality output from these groundbreaking CCDs. The black and white ICX074AL-6
conforms to the EIA standard. Both color and black and white CCDs generate effective pixel areas of 659 horizontal
x 494 vertical. Aspect ratio is 4:3.
The new sensors were developed using IT technology which provides high-speed pixel data transfer without the blurring
effect associated with frame transfer, an alternative CCD technology. IT CCDs transfer pixel data from images
simultaneously into vertical shift registers, which in turn carry pixel information to the horizontal shift register.
This process provides a more accurate image than traditional methods, since all pixels are exposed to light exactly
the same amount of time.
Use of a HAD (hole accumulation diode) sensor structure assures higher resolution, higher sensitivity and lower dark
current. An on-chip microlens focuses light on top of each pixel to provide superior light sensitivity.
The new progressive scan CCDs are supported by a new set of timing, drive and signal processing chips from Sony.
The CXD2408 timing generator offers a built-in sync signal generator, and the CXA1690-Q handles sample and hold
functions.
Sample quantities (ten or fewer) of the black and white ICX074AL-6 are priced at $530 and samples of the color
ICX074AK-6 are priced at $540. Production quantities (1,000 or more) are priced at $260 and $270, respectively.
The black and white -AL version is available now, and the color -AK version will be in mass production in the
fourth quarter of 1995. Sample/production quantities for the peripheral ICs are $44/$23 for the CXD2408-R timing
generator, and $19/$10 for the CXA1690-Q sample and hold IC.
Sample quantities of the black and white ICX084AL are priced at $135 and samples of the color ICX084AK are priced
at $140. Production quantities are priced at $65 and $68, respectively. The 1/3-inch products will be in mass
production in the fourth quarter of 1995.
Sony Semiconductor Company of America is part of Sony Electronics Inc. The company is a leading OEM supplier of
semiconductors, including Static RAM, CCD, D/A and A/D converters, TV and audio ICs, digital filters, serial/optical
communication ICs, and multimedia devices. The company's discrete components include laser diodes, variable capacitance
diodes, Si FET and GaAs FET devices.
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