Sony’s IMX992 and IMX993 image sensors, announced in November last year for limited release, combine the ability to capture images in both the visible and short-wave infrared ranges and will soon be available to everyone.
Back in November 2023, Sony announced the engineering sample versions of the IMX992 and IMX993 image sensors to select customers. Now, both these sensors will be launched into full mass production, making them available to everyone. FRAMOS, the world’s leading expert in embedded vision systems, will start delivering these first units starting this spring 2025.
Thanks to Sony’s SenSWIR technology, they capture images in both the visible range and short-wave infrared ranges (400 nm – 1,700 nm). Unique in the market, it makes it now possible to simplify system design and applications where two or more sensors were needed. Thanks to their attractive price, camera manufacturers and system integrators in the imaging/embedded vision sector can now build cost-effective cameras or embedded vision systems that leverage these expanded wavelengths.
One special feature is their small pixel structure. At just 3.45 µm, they enable high resolutions. The IMX992 utilizes 5.3 megapixels to capture up to 120 frames per second at full resolution with 10-bit image depths. The IMX993 has a resolution of 3.2 megapixels that captures up to 150 frames per second at full resolution with 10-bit image depths.
Both sensors have a global shutter, are small enough to use a C-mount lens, and support both SLVS and MIPI data interfaces. Their digital outputs and simple design make them easy to integrate, especially when compared to traditional SWIR sensors with analog outputs.
The target applications range from quality control and inspection of goods, such as the detection of water inclusions, to material sorting and selection and security and surveillance, thanks to the ability to see better through aerosols such as fog or smoke.
“IMX992 and IMX993 are unique in their ability to capture images in the visible and short-wave infrared range at a comparatively high resolution. This helps camera manufacturers and system integrators to realize more cost-efficient applications and camera systems,” says Darren Bessette, Senior Partner Manager at FRAMOS.
Further information on the IMX992 and IMX993 can be found HERE.
