Process puts more on CMOS image sensors

Tower's advanced 200mm production line enables imaging characteristics previously not available in linear imagers and at a highly competitive price point.

The new DLIS-2K and the DLIS 4K reconfigurable line scan CMOS image sensors from Panavision Imaging have been developed using Tower's advanced photodiode (APD) pixel process and pixel IP, and are to be manufactured in Tower's 200mm Fab2 in Migdal Ha'emek, Israel.

According to IC Insights, worldwide image sensor market (which includes array and linear image sensors) is expected to grow from over US $7 billion in 2008 to $13.2 billion by 2012.

Linear imagers are often used in spectroscopy, barcode, touch screen, OCR, machine vision, measurement and other applications in consumer, industrial, automotive and scientific markets.

The addition of the DLIS-2K and DLIS-4K expands and compliments the existing linear product line from Panavision Imaging.

The technological advances implemented in these products allow for flexibility in image collection and readout, including: ambient light subtraction, oversampling, nondestructive read mode, binning of different integrations, and a high resolution mode.

"Tower has played a pivotal role in achieving the goals of this project".

"These image sensors were crafted for state-of-the-art performance through close co-operation with Tower's engineers", said Jeffrey Zarnowski, CTO for Panavision Imaging.

"Utilising Tower's advanced 200mm production line enables imaging characteristics previously not available in linear imagers and at a highly competitive price point".

"Panavision's patented imager architecture is known for its high performance by design".

"We are pleased to complement this design capability with our advanced pixel IP and ultra-low-noise process platform", said Dr Avi Strum, general manager of the specialty product line at Tower Semiconductor.

"Combined with our high capacity manufacturing capability, these advanced linear sensors are targeted to be among the market's best selling products".

Using Tower's 0.18um technology allows for on-chip bit-selectable analogue to digital convertors as well as higher data transfer rates compared with prior products.

Tower's APD process and pixel IP exhibit improved charge transfer characteristics, for a higher sensitivity over standard photodiodes.

The combination of Tower's technology and Panavision Imaging architecture enables a 4 x 32um pixel with sensitivity exceeding 100V/lux.s.

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