High-Resolution 7.24M-Pixel Diagonal 9.107 mm (Type 1/1.8) Color CCD for Consumer Digital Still Cameras Supports VGA Moving Picture Imaging ICX489AQF The demands for higher pixel counts and further miniaturization continue to increase in the rapidly growing digital still camera market. To respond to these demands, Sony has developed the ICX489AQF diagonal 9.107 mm (Type 1/1.8) CCD image sensor that features 7.24M effective pixels. The ICX489AQF takes full advantage of the latest fine fabrication technologies to achieve a 2.35 µm unit pixel size. This results in both higher resolution and further miniaturization. ■ Primary color filters, 28-pin SOP ■ Diagonal 9.107 mm (Type 1/1.8) Provides 7.24M effective pixels (3112H × 2328V) ■ 5-field readout method ■ High sensitivity: 168 mV (G signal) ■ High saturation signal: 385 mV Sony's unique horizontal and vertical pixel addition technology allows the ICX489AQF to provide both 7M-pixel still picture and 30 frames/s VGA moving picture imaging. The ICX489AQF is a 7.24M-effective pixel diagonal 9.107 mm (Type 1/1.8) CCD image sensor that was developed for use in high-resolution consumer digital still cameras. It provides high-resolution image capture when a mechanical shutter is used. Figure 1 presents Sony’s lineup of CCD image sensors for consumer digital still cameras. Since the ICX489AQF is positioned as a higher pixel count version of the earlier Sony ICX455AQF (diagonal 9.04 mm (Type 1/1.8), 5.13M effective pixels) product, it allows a 7Mpixel digital still camera to be imple- mented based on an earlier ICX455AQF camera without changing the optical system. Table 1 lists the ICX489AQF device structure, and table 2 lists the imaging characteristics. High Saturation Signal The ICX489AQF adopts a 5-field readout method to improve the dynamic range and resolution in moving picture mode. This allows the area occupied by the photodiode block in the unit pixel to be increased and allows the ICX489AQF to provide a saturation signal of 385 mV. High Sensitivity V O I C We developed a new 7M-pixel Type 1/1.8 CCD image sensor to respond to new demands for high-quality moving picture in addition to the higher pixel counts and miniaturization previously demanded by the digital still camera market. This new image sensor will allow digital still cameras to provide not only still picture, but high-quality moving picture as well. I hope you will seriously consider developing new consumer digital still camera products that take advantage of the features of this device. E The light collecting ability of the individual pixels has been improved by optimization not only of the fine fabrication technology used for the on-chip microlenses, but also of the shape of the microlenses, and by the adoption of thinfilm primary color filters. These technologies allow the ICX489AQF to achieve a sensitivity of 168 mV despite a pixel size of 2.35 µm. Timing Generator IC Sony also provides the CXD3630GA timing generator IC that includes built-in horizontal and vertical drivers for the ICX489AQF. In addition to a VGA equivalent moving picture mode, this IC also supports a high frame rate readout mode and an AF mode as well. [Pixel count] ICX456 8M IS-IT IS-IT 7M Type 2/3 ICX489 (Moving picture supported) Type 1/1.8 6M ICX282 ICX452 ICX455 5M ICX488 ICX406 4M Type 1/2.7 ICX252 ICX432 ICX451 3M ICX434 Type 1/3.2 ICX284 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 [CY] ■ Figure 1 Consumer Digital Still Camera CCD Lineup Vφ9 Vφ8 Vφ7 Vφ6 Vφ5B Vφ5A Vφ4 Vφ3B Vφ3A VφHLD Vφ2 VφST Vφ1 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Vertical register Vφ10 ■ Table 1 Device Structure G B ICX489AQF Item Image size Diagonal 9.107 mm (Type 1/1.8) Transfer method Frame readout interline transfer method Readout method 5-field readout Total number of pixels Approx. 7.41M (3164H × 2342V) Number of effective pixels Approx. 7.24M (3112H × 2328V) Approx. 7.20M (3104H × 2320V) G B Number of active pixels Number of recommended Approx. 7.08M (3072H × 2304V) recording pixels (Aspect ratio: 4:3) R G R G G B G B R G R G G B G B R G R G G B G B R G R G G B G B R G R G G B G B R G R G Unit cell size 2.35 µm (H) × 2.35 µm (V) Horizontal drive frequency 33.75 MHz Package 28-pin plastic SOP ■ Table 2 Imaging Characteristics (Note) Item Horizontal register Sensitivity (G signal) 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 VOUT GND GND GND VDD φRG Hφ2B Hφ1B φSUB CSUB Hφ1A Hφ2A VL GND Saturation signal Note: Smear (F5.6) : Photosensors Frame rate Remarks 168 mV 3200K, 706 cd/m2, 1/30 s accumulation, F5.6 Frame readout mode 385 mV 4/10-line readout mode∗ 4/20-line readout mode∗ 200 mV Frame readout mode –87.5 dB 4/10-line readout mode∗ 4/20-line readout mode∗ –79.5 dB Frame readout mode ■ Figure 2 ICX489AQF Block Diagram ICX489AQF 4/10-line readout mode∗ 4/20-line readout mode∗ Ta = 60°C, per pixel 200 mV –73.5 dB None when a mechanical shutter is used, V/10 method 3.33 frames/s 30 frames/s Number of output lines: 466 60 frames/s Number of output lines: 232 ∗: With horizontal addition Note: This device was designed for use in consumer digital still cameras and may not be appropriate for other applications. Contact your Sony representative for consultation when considering this product for use on other applications.