133-MP CMOS Image Sensor Eliminates Bulky Optics for 8K Broadcasting
PASADENA, Calif., March 6, 2015 — An unprecedented 133-MP, 60-fps CMOS image sensor is being eyed for ultrahigh-definition TV broadcasting.
Forza Silicon Corp. developed the sensor in collaboration with NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories of Tokyo, a longtime partner. The sensor was fabricated using a 0.18-μm, 3.3-V/1.8-V process with 1-D stitching.
To date, conventional image sensors for 8K applications have used 8- and 33-MP sensors in large optical formats. These have not been effective in managing the tradeoffs between size and resolution, according to Forza.
In order to eliminate the bulky lens and prism optical system of previous 8K cameras, Forza and NHK developed a single-chip 133-MP image sensor using Forza’s Gen 3 readout architecture. Gen 3 uses a pseudo-column parallel design with 14-bit redundant successive approximation register analog-to-digital converters (SAR ADCs) to achieve a throughput of 128 Gbps at full resolution and frame rate.
A privately held company, Forza Silicon specializes in fabless semiconductor design of analog and mixed-signal, highly sensitive CMOS image sensors for visible and infrared digital camera applications.
NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories is a division of Japan’s national public broadcaster focused on developing broadcast technology. Researchers from NHK presented the design architecture and specifications for the new sensor recently at the IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference in San Francisco.
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