SmartSens launches first 16MP image sensor based on QCell technology and 1-micron pixel unit

SmartSens debuts 16MP image sensor based on QCell technology and 1-micron pixel unit

August 30, 2021, Shanghai, China — SmartSens Technology, a technologically advanced CMOS image sensor supplier, officially launched its first 16-megapixel consumer smartphone application Cellphone Sensor (CS) Series image sensor product based on QCell technology - SC1600CS. As the first 1.0μm pixel size CIS successfully mass-produced by SmartSens, this product strives to provide high-quality imaging performance for smartphone front cameras.

The SC1600CS, which was launched this time, is SmartSens' first high-resolution image sensor equipped with QCell technology. In addition to the 16MP image mode, it also supports the 4MP QCell Bin image output mode, which can better meet the shooting requirements of mobile phone front cameras for image brightness and color.

SmartSens QCell technology CIS is launched for the first time, and the beauty of night view is at your fingertips!

The QCell Bin output mode relies on SmartSens' innovative QCell technology. Different from the traditional Bayer pixel array, this technology closely arranges four pixels of the same color to achieve four-in-one Binning output, which can effectively improve the sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range when shooting night scenes. In QCell Bin mode, its sensitivity is greatly increased by 3 times, the signal-to-noise ratio is increased by 13%, and the dynamic range is significantly increased by 8.5dB, enabling the mobile phone front camera to achieve better quality night vision imaging effects.

1.0μm pixel size, advanced technology creates high-definition image quality!

To meet the current demand for miniaturization of consumer device modules, the pixel size of CIS is getting smaller and smaller. When the unit pixel size is ≤1.0μm, how to solve the direct crosstalk and electrical crosstalk between pixels of different colors becomes a process difficulty. Through years of accumulation and innovation in CIS design and process, SmartSens has successfully overcome technical difficulties and mass-produced the first 1.0μm pixel size image sensor SC1600CS, which has significantly improved the color saturation and clarity of highlight areas at different color temperatures.

As a new product with SmartClarity®-2 technology, SC1600CS is also equipped with SmartSens’ innovative SFCPixel® patented technology and adopts ultra-low noise peripheral reading circuit, which can present clearer and more delicate night vision full-color images in low-light environments.

Mr. Ouyang Jian, Deputy General Manager of SmartSens, said: "To better enable front-facing camera applications in consumer devices, SmartSens has launched the SC1600CS, our first image sensor equipped with QCell technology, which can achieve clearer and brighter HD images. This is also the first 1.0μm pixel size high-resolution CIS that SmartSens has successfully mass-produced. We strive to integrate our cutting-edge core imaging technologies accumulated across multiple fields to create a higher-performance smart video solution."

As a new member of the CS series 5-13MP products released by SmartSens in Q4 last year, the SC1600CS is innovatively equipped with QCell technology, which can additionally realize QCell Bin image mode output, making it have outstanding performance in night vision imaging and other performance. At the same time, the SC1600CS with a pixel size of 1.0μm and a high-resolution image of 16 million can enable the front camera to have higher quality imaging performance when shooting. In the future, SmartSens will also launch more consumer series products to provide more customers with higher performance imaging solutions.

Currently, SC1600CS is accepting samples and is expected to be put into mass production in November 2021.

About SmartSens Technology

SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (SmartSens Technology) is a high-tech enterprise engaged in the research and development, design and service of CMOS image sensor chip products. It was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Shanghai, China. It has R&D centers and sales offices in Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Hsinchu and San Jose, USA, with a global network. SmartSens is driven by innovation and focuses on providing customers with future-oriented and world-leading CMOS image sensor chip products. With an innovative and global R&D team, SmartSens has independently developed many industry-leading innovative technologies such as excellent night vision full-color technology, SFCPixelTM patented technology, and Stack BSI global exposure technology.

Since its establishment, SmartSens has always focused on the innovation and development of high-end imaging technology. With its performance advantages, it has stood out in the homogeneous competition and has been recognized and favored by more customers. The company's products have also continued to mature and established an industry-leading position in the security field. Its products cover application fields such as security monitoring, vehicle-mounted imaging, machine vision and consumer electronics (sports cameras, drones, sweeping robots, smart home cameras). Since 2017, SmartSens has maintained a leading position in the global market share of CIS products in the security field for many consecutive years, and has become the leading Global Shutter CIS company in the consumer machine vision field. In the future, it will continue to expand and innovate in emerging application fields such as artificial intelligence, mobile phone imaging, and vehicle-mounted electronics.