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This section provides an overview for cmos sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 cmos sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked cmos sensor companies as of February, 2025: 1.STMicroelectronics, 2.Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., 3.Teledyne Digital Imaging Inc..
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A CMOS sensor is an image sensor used in digital cameras and other photographic equipment. The light received by the individual photodetectors is converted into an electric charge, which is then passed through an amplifier circuit composed of CMOS and extracted as a voltage or current according to the intensity of the light.
In the past, CCD sensors were used as the mainstream image sensor, featuring a structure in which the charge is transferred by the CCD and converted to a voltage via a floating diffusion amplifier (FDA).
CCD sensors have advantages over CMOS sensors in terms of sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and low dark current, but they have disadvantages in terms of complex power supply configuration, unavoidable smear generation, and the fact that the manufacturing process is special and general CMOS LSI production equipment cannot be used. Recently, CMOS sensors have become the mainstay of image sensors due to advances in methods for reducing the effects of dark current and improving the signal-to-noise ratio in CMOS sensors.
In the past, CMOS sensors were used in cameras mounted on smartphones and tablets because of their low cost of production. On the other hand, CCD sensors with low noise were mainly used in single-lens reflex cameras and video cameras, which require high image quality.
However, as noise reduction methods for CCD sensors evolved, the smear and blooming that had been a problem with CCD sensors did not occur, and the CCD sensor was gradually replaced by the CMOS sensors. CMOS sensors are now used as image sensors in all types of photographic equipment.
The basic function of an image sensor is to store and transfer the electric charge generated by the light-receiving elements arranged in large numbers on its surface, convert it into a voltage or electric current, and output it. In this respect, CCD sensors and CMOS sensors share the same function.
The major difference between the two lies in the charge transfer mechanism: CCD sensors have a grid of photodiodes as light-receiving elements, and charge can be temporarily stored in the N-type region of these photodiodes.
A vertical CCD is placed adjacent to these photodiodes, and all the charges accumulated by each photodiode at a given time are simultaneously transferred to the vertical CCD. The charges are sequentially transferred and delivered to the horizontal CCD.
The horizontal CCD transfers the charge transferred from the vertical CCD to the FDA, which outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of charge, thus providing a voltage output corresponding to the intensity of the light irradiating the photodiodes. As described above, in a CCD sensor, the amount of charge from all photodiodes is output sequentially.
On the other hand, CMOS sensors have a photodiode, an amplifier that amplifies the output of the photodiode, and a switch element that connects the amplifier output to the signal line, so that light reception, conversion, amplification, and output are performed for each photodiode.
From this configuration, CMOS sensors can specify individual photodiodes by combining horizontal and vertical scanning signals and can extract voltage or current according to the amount of charge. Thus, any photodiode can be selected and its signal be read out.
Due to these structural differences, CMOS sensors have the advantage of high-speed readout by limiting the signal to the necessary area and eliminating the transfer noise of CCDs. Furthermore, while CCD sensors inevitably suffer from smears caused by noise components flowing into the CCD, this is not the case with CMOS sensors.
CMOS sensors combine a photodiode, which is a light-receiving element, with an amplifier and switch elements, and integrate many of these elements. The photodiode manufacturing process is special and different from that of transistors, but the other components are identical to those of CMOS LSIs, so the use of CMOS manufacturing equipment is advantageous over CCDs.
New developments are also emerging about photodiode placement. In this structure, photodiodes are placed on the backside of the CCD, whereas circuits such as amplifiers and switch elements are formed on the front side. The photodiode is connected to the circuitry via internal wiring. Although the manufacturing process is more complex, the photodiodes can be placed with no gaps between them, which improves light collection efficiency.
The circuitry in CMOS sensors operates with a single power supply, so basically only a single power supply of about 3.3 V is required. CMOS sensors have an advantage in terms of power consumption.
Sony had a dominant market share when CCD sensors were at their peak, but now that CMOS sensors have become the mainstay and their primary application has shifted to smartphones, Sony's market share is gradually declining. In 2021, Sony's market share in terms of value will be 45%, Samsung's 26%, and OmniVision's 11%, according to the survey.
CMOS image sensors are available in a variety of sizes, from large to small. Taking Canon's CMOS image sensors as an example, there are six different sizes of image sensors.
However, they are not sold to the general public and are limited to use for their cameras.
Generally, for the same number of pixels, the larger the sensor size, the better the image quality. Also, the wider the aperture, the higher the sensitivity.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Teledyne DALSA was established in 1980 in Ontario, Canada, and is known as the manufacturer, designer, and marketer of digital imaging products and solutions. The imaging products which the company deals in include industry-standard digital frame grabbers, area and line scan image sensors, and laser profiling 3D sensors. The inventory also includes X-ray detectors, infrared detectors, and various systems and software to run the equipment. There are also MEMs and semiconductors for different applications. The industries that benefit from these products are aerospace, medical and life sciences, machine vision and inspection, nondestructive testing, and more.
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.
Located in Austria and Germany, Ams-Osram is a sensor design and manufacturing company that specializes in compact form factors, low power, high sensitivity, and multi-sensor applications. They were established in 1981 and were formerly known as austriamicrosystems AG. In 2012 it changed its name to ams AG. They have a technology portfolio for sensing, lighting, and visualization, ranging from light emitters and optical components to micro-modules, integrated circuits, and related software. Their work develops technology for use in the consumer, industrial, medical, and automotive sectors.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Atsugi, Japan, is a manufacturer of various semiconductor products and electric/electronic equipment, as well as other related businesses. Its range of products includes image sensors, microdisplays, board computers, and laser diodes used in several industries, such as logistics, manufacturing, security, agriculture, and transportation. The company conforms to the IATF 16949 standard and ISO 9001 and has 33 bases in 13 countries worldwide. It has received several awards, including the National Invention Award, Okochi Award, US Walter Kosonocky Award, and Manufacturing Japan Grand Award.
ST Micro Electronics is a global semiconductor company serving customers with innovations to have a positive impact on people's lives. Their product line is micro electronic systems, such as switches, controllers, sensors and drivers. The main selling point of ST Micro Electronics is its provision of sustainable products, and introducing their electronics to create a more sustainable world. The company, as well as providing the electronic devices, also provides software and support, ensuring that all fields are covered to provide a fully provide a supported and strong relationship with their customer base. ST Micro Electronics believe that technology plays a key role in helping to solve environmental and social challenges, which is why their semiconductor technologies start with their employees, their customers and partners.
Toshiba has nearly a century-and-a-half-long history of pioneering the development of electrical equipment in Japan, providing customers with products and services such as energy systems and solutions and infrastructure systems and solutions. With a focus on digital technologies, Toshiba boasts cutting-edge products in semiconductors, barcode printers, and rechargeable Lithium-ion battery cells, modules, and industrial pack series. With arms in business, R & D, AI, sustainability, and digital solutions, Toshiba and its people evolve with the times, ensuring its continuing ability to solve ever-changing social issues through constant change. By utilizing the knowledge that Toshiba has amassed across numerous business domains, along with cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AI, and quantum related technologies, they have created digital solutions that provide our customers with new value and services
SK hynix Inc., founded in 1983 as Hyundai Electronic Industrial Co. Ltd., is a Korean manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Icheon, Gyeonggi, offering semiconductor devices. The company's product portfolio includes dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) chips, compute express links (CXLs), and solid-state drives (SSDs). The company also provides NAND storage, multi-chip packages (MCPs), and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. These components are utilized across diverse sectors, including automotive, data centers, and networking applications for data processing. The company further develops Memory forEST (for Environment, Society, Tomorrow), a future initiative to provide more environmentally sustainable solutions for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry.
PHOTONIS, a well-reputed French company founded in 1937, specializes in manufacturing electro-optic components and detectors. They offer a wide range of products, including photomultiplier tubes, image intensifiers, and microchannel plates. PHOTONIS serves various industries, such as scientific research, defence, medical, and industrial applications. Their products are used in applications like night view, mass spectral analysis, and space exploration. PHOTONIS is present internationally with offices and distributors in different countries. Devoted to excellence and environmental responsibility with various certifications, ensuring reliability and safety for customers.
BAE Systems, established in 1999 and headquartered in London, UK, is a provider of advanced technology-driven solutions in defense, aerospace, and security. The company collaborates with local partners to engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems. Its portfolio includes the aerospace sector, where it designs, manufactures, and supports combat and trainer aircraft. It also extends to land warfare, designing, producing, and upgrading combat vehicles, ammunition, and artillery systems that support global defense capabilities. As a supplier of Cybersecurity and intelligence solutions, it is pivotal in providing cyber, intelligence, and security capabilities to safeguard against modern threats.
Ranking as of February 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | STMicroelectronics |
19.8%
|
| 2 | Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. |
14.6%
|
| 3 | Teledyne Digital Imaging Inc. |
13.5%
|
| 4 | ams-OSRAM AG |
12.7%
|
| 5 | Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation |
10.3%
|
| 6 | BAE Systems |
8.0%
|
| 7 | PHOTONIS |
7.9%
|
| 8 | SK HYNIX INC. |
6.9%
|
| 9 | TOSHIBA CORPORATION |
4.3%
|
| 10 | Sofradir |
1.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the cmos sensor page as of February 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Japan
|
3 | 50.0% |
|
Canada
|
1 | 16.7% |
|
Austria
|
1 | 16.7% |
France
|
1 | 16.7% |
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