Challenges of image-sensor development

Abstract

Due to steady advancements in semiconductor technology, greatly-enhanced memory capacity and high-speed data processing are now available, creating many evolving types of audio and video electronic products. The digital camera represents this trend well, where image sensor evolution has been responsible for enabling strong market growth. CCD image sensors have contributed to the miniaturization of cameras by their continuous march toward smaller pixel size and improved resolution, leading to more megapixels and enhanced image quality. Recently, the image-sensor shift from CCDs to CMOS has enabled faster capture speeds and convenient HD (High Definition). The result of this evolution has been the impressive growth of the digital camera market. This presentation will illustrate the achievements of image-sensor development, and will outline the corresponding advancements in digital cameras. Further, the future of digital cameras will be elaborated, illustrating the way in which image sensors are leading camera growth.