Image Sensor Emulates Film Capture

The F19 (FO18-50-F19), a 1/1.8", 4.5-Mpixel CMOS direct image sensor, exploits the company's X3 technology to directly capture color in three layers, similar to film. Each stack of pixels contains a red, green, and blue pixel, eliminating the need for color interpolation and blur filters associated with standard CCD and CMOS sensors. The component also integrates variable pixel size (VPS) technology that groups neighboring pixels together to form larger pixels for high frame rate, reduced noise, and dual-mode still/video applications. Other reported features include low fixed-pattern noise, ultra-low power consumption, and integrated digital control. For pricing, call Eric Zarakov at FOVEON INC., Santa Clara, CA. (408) 350-5109.