Computer Vision - Camera Sensor Technologies
The operation of both CMOS and CCD camera sensors can be explained at a crude level, beginning with light entering the camera via the lens being focused onto the sensing device. The sensor is split into a matrix of individual cells and the light which falls onto each cell is converted into an electrical signal. Circuitry organizes the signals into a serial waveform and adds timing information to allow decoding in the display equipment.
More information can be found on the two types of sensor technologies by following the links below and a comparison of the main features of each is located in the table at the bottom of this page.
Comparison of CCD and CMOS Sensors
The table below compares the advantages and disadvantages of the performance characteristics of CCD and CMOS Sensors.
| |
CCD |
CMOS |
| Response |
Moderate |
Slightly Better |
| Dynamic Range |
High |
Moderate |
| Uniform Shuttering |
Fast, Common |
Limited |
| Uniformity |
High |
Low to Moderate |
| Speed |
Moderate to High |
Higher |
| Windowing |
Limited |
Extensive |
| Antiblooming |
High to None |
High |
| Biasing and Clocking |
Multiple, Higher Voltage |
Single, Low Voltage |
| Pixel Output Signal |
Electron Packet |
Voltage |
| Chip Output Signal |
Voltage (Analog) |
Bits (Digital) |
| Camera Output Signal |
Bits (Digital) |
Bits (Digital) |
| Fill Factor |
High |
Moderate |
| Amplifier Mismatch |
N/A |
Moderate |
| System Noise |
Low |
Moderate |
| System Complexity |
High |
Low |
| Sensor Complexity |
Low |
High |
| Camera Components |
Sensor, Multiple Support Chips, Lens |
Sensor, Lens possible but additional support chips common |
| Relative R&D Cost |
Generally Lower |
Generally Higher |
| Relative System Cost |
Depends on Application |
Depends on Application |
|
