Sony Pregius® Global Shutter CMOS
High-Speed CMOS Sensor with Distortion-Free Global Shutter Technology
Sony's Pregius global shutter CMOS technology truly fulfills its promise: crisp, clear, distortion-free images at high speeds. With Pregius, Sony does more than provide a migration path from their most popular CCD sensors. Pregius offers significant performance gains, and with its newly announced third generation, additional on-sensor features.
Learn about Sony's 3rd generation sensors: IMX420 CMOS
Pregius CMOS Comparison Charts
Third Generation Pregius
The third generation of Pregius global shutter sensors introduces a new pixel size as well as new on-sensor features.
New Pixel Size & Speed Updates
A 4.5 µm pixel size balances the saturation capacity of the first generation 5.86 µm pixel with the resolution of generation two’s 3.45 µm pixel. Generation three maintains the low read noise and high quantum efficiency Pregius sensors are known for while offering over 5dB more dynamic range than previous generations. In terms of speed, a new SLVS-EC internal interface doubles the sensor’s bandwidth compared to second generation devices. The first device, the IMX420, can output an impressive 12-bit 7.1 MP images at up to 134 frames per second.
Sony Pregius Roadmap
Sony has offered a migration path from its most popular CCD sensors to higher performing global shutter CMOS sensors.
| Megapixels | Optical Format | Outgoing Sony CCD | Replacement Sony Pregius | Resolution | Pixel Size (μm) |
| 0.33 → 0.4 | 1/4" → 1/2.9" | ICX618 | IMX287 | 728 x 544 | 6.9 |
| 0.33 → 0.5 | 1/2" | ICX414 | To Be Announced | ||
| 1.3 → 1.6 | 1/3" → 1/2.9" | ICX445 | IMX273 | 1456 x 1008 | 3.45 |
| 2.0 | 1/1.8" → 1/1.7" | ICX274 | IMX422 | 1632 x 1248 | 4.5 |
| 1.5 → 2.3 | 2/3" → 1/1.2" | ICX825 | IMX174 | 1936 x 1216 | 5.86 |
| 2.8 | 2/3 | ICX674 | IMX421 USB3: Mono, Color |
1944 x 1472 | 4.5 |
| 2.8 → 3.2 | 1/1.8" | ICX687 | IMX252 | 2064 x 1544 | 3.45 |
| 4.1 → 5.1 | 1/1.8" → 2/3" | ICX808 | IMX250 | 2464 x 2056 | 3.45 |
| 6.0 → 7.1 | 1" | ICX694 | 3216 x 2208 | 4.5 | |
| 9.0 | 1" | ICX814 | IMX255 | 4112 x 2176 | 3.45 |
| 12.0 | 1" → 1.1" | ICX834 | IMX253 | 4112 x 3008 | 3.45 |
Pregius S Update
The Sony Pregius family of global shutter CMOS sensors delivers crisp, distortion-free images. Continuing a legacy of compact performance, the fourth generation Pregius S literally turns the rules of sensor design upside-down. Pregius S uses Back Side Illuminated (BSI) sensor design to reduce pixel size and increase resolution while improving quantum efficiency (QE) and sensitivity.
BSI sensors invert the traditional front illuminated sensor design making it easier for photons to enter each pixel’s light sensitive photodiode.
Delivering high resolutions in compact sensor packages without sacrificing imaging performance, Pregius S sensors reduce system costs and increase throughput.
Application Advantages
|
Application |
Pregius Generation |
Feature |
Benefit |
|
Biomedical, Microscopy |
Pregius |
Higher Quantum Efficiency, Low (better) Absolute Sensitivity |
Maximize sensitivity in low light, reliably detect weak signals |
|
Semiconductor Process Control |
Third Generation Pregius & Pregius S |
Pixel density, NIR-Perfomance |
See smaller defects further below surface |
|
Metrology |
Pregius S |
High pixel density |
Precise measurements of large objects |
|
Benchtop or handheld devices |
Pregius S |
High Pixel Density, tolerance for very compact lenses |
More compact and lighter designs possible |
To learn about the 4th Generation Sony Pregius S global shutter sensor, click here.