An 800k-pixel color CMOS sensor for consumer still cameras.

An 800k-pixel Active Pixel device has been developed for use in a Digital Still Camera application. A mode of operation has been developed to cancel the problems of Fixed Patterned Noise (FPN) and dark current inherent to this type of CMOS imaging array. A time multiplexed read-out mechanism allows the device to operate at 5 Mpix/s and still settle to within 0.1%. The device, with a full well of approximately 100K electrons, is capable of delivering a S/N of 66dB, and a sensitivity of approximately 50mV/lux at 50mS exposure. The sensor is covered with a color mosaic to allow an accurate recovery of a color image. This sensor makes new in-roads for CMOS imaging into areas traditionally occupied by CCD's.