SWIR image sensor
IMX990 Type 1/2 (8.2 mm diagonal)

IMX992Type 1/1.4 (11.4 mm diagonal)
approx. 5.32 effective megapixels

IMX993

Type 1/1.8 (8.9 mm diagonal)
approx. 3.21 effective megapixels

approx. 1.34 effective megapixels

IMX991 Type 1/4 (4.1 mm diagonal)
approx. 0.34 effective megapixels

In industrial applications, we can now find cameras that capture visible light and non-visible light. This allows for new applications andpreviously difficult computer vision tasks to be challenged. Let us introduce our new SWIR (Short-Wavelength InfraRed) image sensor that cansupport these opportunities.

What is SWIR?
Generally, light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 780 nm is called visible light, and light with a wavelength of 780 nm to 106 nm is called
infra-red light. The wavelength band of SWIR is from 900 nm to 2,500 nm, which is the region of infrared light closest to visible light.
[Photo 1] is a comparison of images taken with visible light and infra-red light of the same subject. In contrast to the visible light image (A)that we are accustomed to, the infra-red image (C), which has a long wavelength, cannot capture the characteristics of a person. On theother hand, although the SWIR image (B) looks like visible light because their wavelengths are close, unique information which is different
from the visible light image can be captured under SWIR light.
[Photo 1]

100

1000

10000

Visible Light

Wavelength (nm)Infrared(A) Visible light(B) Short-wavelength
infrared (SWIR)(C) Long-wavelength infrared
Images (B) and (C) are captured
in the environment under theinvisible light environment.

Conventional CMOS image sensor
Sony’s SWIR image sensor

Image sensors with SenSWIRTM technology are compatible both with the SWIR spectrum and a wide band of 400 nm to 1,700 nm
wavelengths, which includes the visible light spectrum. This allows one camera to perform two functions for visible light and SWIR, not only
widening the scope of items and purposes of inspection, but also helping to reduce system cost and accelerate image processing to improvethroughput. Also, one camera means the captured images in two modes are identical to the pixel level, avoiding image shift.
SenSWIR is a wide-band and high-sensitivity SWIR image sensor technology implemented by the combination ofcompound semiconductor InGaAs photodiodes and Si readout circuits through Cu-Cu connection.
*SenSWIR and its logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Group Corporation or its affiliates.

Summary of application of SWIR technology
Visualizing water

Smartphone camera image

Detecting moisture in the dents on the apple skin

Under visible light

Under SWIR (1,450 nm)

Water becomes black in an image taken with a camera set at the wavelengthof 1,450 nm because water absorbs the light at this wavelength. This
attribute can be leveraged for detecting moisture in objects.
Inspection of silicon wafer

Transmission observation

Silicon wafer

Smartphone camera image

Silicon wafer

Under visible light

Sorting materials

Smartphone camera image

Detecting plastic and metal pieces in a pile of black beans

Under visible light

Under SWIR (1,300 nm)

Infrared reflectance and absorptance vary at different wavelengths from one
material to another. Utilizing this attribute, a specific material can be singled
out among other materials, such as plastics, that may look very similar to one
another under visible light.
Temperature observation

Monitoring the temperatures in soldering irons

Silicon wafer

Under SWIR (1,550 nm)

SWIR includes a spectrum that penetrates certain materials, and this has
been leveraged in manufacturing, such as a transmission inspection for
semiconductors.

Smartphone camera image

Under visible light

Under SWIR (1,550 nm)

Some image sensors can convert heat into luminosity information. SWIR
image sensors are suitable for the observation of heat over 250°C.

Achieves low-noise performance regardless of thebrightness or darkness of the environment

Features of image sensors withSenSWIR technology

The high-end model IMX992/IMX993 is equipped with shooting modes
that can be selected according to the purpose. By selecting the optimalmode, high-quality images with little noise can be obtained, regardlessof the brightness or darkness of the environment. This sensor
demonstrates its power in scientific measurement, outdoor
observation, and other applications where image quality in low-lightenvironments is important.

Compact size and high resolution realized
The IMX990/IMX991 uses 5μm miniature pixels to achieve bothminiaturization and a large number of pixels, achieving high image quality
equivalent to SXGA. This feature can increase flexibility for camera
positioning and enhance accuracy for inspections, expanding theapplications of SWIR sensing.

High conversion gain (HCG) and low conversion gain (LCG) modes
HCG mode amplifies the signal immediately after light is converted into anelectrical signal, at a stage when there is still little noise, thereby reducing
noise that occurs afterwards. This allows low-noise images to be obtainedeven in dark shooting environments, leading to improved recognition
accuracy. In bright conditions where dynamic range is important, it ispossible to switch to LCG mode.

The IMX992 has a high resolution of approximately 5.32 megapixels, and theIMX993 has a high resolution of approximately 3.21 megapixels with aminiature pixel size of 3.45 μm. This specification is a widely used
specification among general global shutter image sensors compatible forC-mount size, and this is the first SWIR image sensor for industrial use toachieve similar specifications. High-resolution imaging allows even tiny
objects to be captured clearly, greatly improving the accuracy of various
inspections and measurements using SWIR.

Dual-read rolling shutter (DRRS) function
Furthermore, these Sony sensors are equipped with a DRRS function thatallows shooting with reduced noise. This can obtain images with noise
reduced to approximately 1/4.

Digital output-ready for efficient camera design
In general, most SWIR image sensors output analog signals only. This means
camera manufacturers need to add a digital conversion circuit on the camera
side before developing camera functionality. Sony's SWIR image sensors
incorporate a digital conversion circuit, eliminating the needs for such extra work.
This allows camera manufacturers to make a quick start to develop versatilecamera functions as they wish more easily and efficiently. Furthermore, theIMX992/IMX993 supports MIPI in addition to SLVS interface, which is common forindustrial cameras, increasing flexibility in camera design and component
selection.

Comparison of SWIR images with different resolutions
Approx. 0.32MP
VGA

Approx. 1.34MP
IMX990Approx. 5.32MP
IMX992

Specifications
Device structure
Thermoelectric cooling element
included model
Thermoelectric cooling element
not included model

IMX990-AABA

IMX991-AABA

IMX992-AABA

IMX990-AABJ

IMX991-AABJ

IMX992-AABJ

IMX993-AABJ

Image size

8.2 mm diagonal (Type 1/2)

4.1 mm diagonal (Type 1/4)

11.4 mm diagonal (Type 1/1.4)

8.9 mm diagonal (Type 1/1.8)

Effective pixels

1296 (H) × 1032 (V)approx. 1.34 megapixels

656 (H) × 520 (V)approx. 0.34 megapixels

2592 (H) × 2056 (V)approx. 5.32 megapixels

2080 (H) × 1544 (V)approx. 3.21 megapixels

Unit cell size

IMX993-AABA5 μm (H) × 5 μm (V)3.45 μm (H) × 3.45 μm (V)Horizontal direction

Front 0 pixels, rear 96 pixels

Front 96 pixels, rear 0 pixels

Vertical direction

front 20 pixels, rear 0 pixels

front 24 pixels, rear 0 pixels

Optical black
Input drive frequency

37.125 MHz/74.25 MHz/54 MHz

37.125 MHz/74.25 MHz/54 MHz

1.2 V, 1.8 V, 2.2 V, 3.3 V, 1.2 V (Pixel), 2.2 V (Pixel)

1.2 V, 1.8 V, 2.2 V, 3.3 V, 2.2 V (Pixel)

Shutter mode

Global shutter

Global shutter (rolling shutter when DRRS on)

Output interface

SLVS（2 ch/4 ch）

SLVS (2 ch/4 ch/8 ch) / MIPI (2 lane/4 lane)

Thermoelectric cooling element included:30.0 mm (H) × 30.0 mm (V)Thermoelectric cooling element included:30.0 mm (H) × 30.0 mm (V)Power supply

Package

Thermoelectric cooling element not included:20.0 mm (H) × 16.8 mm (V) Thermoelectric cooling element not included:21.0 mm (H) × 20.0 mm (V)Imaging characteristics
IMX991

IMX992

IMX993

Sensitivity

121 mV

TBD

Saturation signal

360 mV

TBD

Quantum efficiency>75 %TBD>99.5 %

TBD

1Operability*Notes
F8, 1/30 sec. accumulation

λ=1200 nm*Measurement conditions: Tj = 15 C, all-pixel readout mode.
*1: Operability: percentage of pixels free of defects

Framerate(max.)

0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

Wavelength [nm]Wavelength (horizontal axis) and Relative quantum efficiency (vertical axis) of IMX992/IMX993

IMX990

IMX991All-pixel readout

Drive mode
Recommended
recording pixels

1.00.90.0400

Basic drive mode
Model nameRelative quantum efficiency

Wavelength (horizontal axis) and Relative quantum efficiency (vertical axis) of IMX990/IMX991

IMX990

IMX992

IMX993All-pixel readout

640 (H) × 512 (V)1280 (H) × 1024 (V)2560 (H) × 2048 (V)2048 (H) × 1536 (V)Approx. 1.31 megapixels Approx. 0.33 megapixels Approx. 5.24 megapixels Approx. 3.14 megapixels

ADC 8 bit

134 frame/s

258 frame/s

130* frame/s

170* frame/s

ADC 10 bit

125 frame/s

240 frame/s

120* frame/s

150* frame/s

ADC 12 bit

71 frame/s

137 frame/s

70* frame/s

90* frame/s* Tentative values under development.

URL for product information webpage about SWIR image sensors:
https://info.sony-semicon.com/en/swir-prod

Relative quantum efficiency

Model name

1.0

* TBD as it is under development.

0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6

TBD

0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Wavelength [nm]Data may vary depending on conditions and the environment.

Please inquire from the URL below or the QR code, to the right, for detailed
information of Sony’s SWIR image sensors or evaluation data samples:
https://info.sony-semicon.com/en/inquiry-form0001pr"Sony", "SONY" logo and any other product names, service names or logo marks used in this flyer are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Group Corporation or its affiliates.
©2023 Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation. All rights reserved.

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