Automation

OMNIVISION launches 12MP global shutter image sensor

OMNIVISION launches 12MP global shutter image sensor

Key Takeaways

  • Omnivision’s new OG12S10 is a 12‑MP BSI global‑shutter CMOS sensor aimed at factory automation and intelligent‑transportation systems.
  • It uses a 3.45 µm pixel on a 1.1‑inch optical format, delivering 60 % QE at 850 nm and 40 % QE at 940 nm (≈5× improvement over legacy 3.45 µm parts).
  • Dual‑conversion‑gain (DCG) HDR provides 74 dB dynamic range, a 20 ke‑ full‑well capacity, and 2.8 e‑ read noise in HDR mode.
  • Ultra‑short exposure down to 1 µs and a shutter‑efficiency rating of 106 dB enable precise capture of fast‑moving objects at up to 75 fps.
  • The sensor ships in a ceramic land‑grid‑array (CLGA) package, with sampling slated for Nov 2026 and volume production in Q4 2026.

Omnivision Introduces the OG12S10 12‑MP Global‑Shutter Image Sensor

Overview

Omnivision has unveiled the OG12S10, a backside‑illuminated (BSI) global‑shutter (GS) CMOS imager built for high‑speed industrial vision and next‑generation intelligent‑transportation systems (ITS). The device packs a 4096 × 3072 pixel array (12 MP) into a 1.1‑inch optical format, leveraging a 3.45 µm pixel pitch that balances light‑collection ability with compact die size.

Core Technical Highlights

Feature Specification Benefit
Pixel Architecture 3.45 µm BSI, PureCelPlus‑S stacking High quantum efficiency, reduced crosstalk
Resolution 4096 × 3072 (12 MP) Detailed imagery for precise measurement
Dynamic Range 74 dB (DCG HDR) Retains detail in both bright and dark zones
Full‑Well Capacity 20 ke‑ (20 000 e‑) Handles strong illumination without saturation
Read Noise 2.8 e‑ (DCG mode) Improves low‑light signal‑to‑noise ratio
Quantum Efficiency (QE) 60 % @ 850 nm, 40 % @ 940 nm 5× boost versus prior 3.45 µm parts, ideal for NIR
Exposure Flexibility 1 µs minimum Enables motion‑blur‑free capture at high speeds
Frame Rate Up to 75 fps (full‑resolution) Supports rapid inspection lines
Shutter Efficiency 106 dB Near‑ideal light utilization during global exposure
Interface Options 16‑lane sub‑LVDS @ 1.1 Gbps, 4‑lane MIPI Flexible integration with existing vision boards
Package Ceramic Land Grid Array (CLGA) Robust thermal performance for harsh environments

Dual‑Conversion‑Gain (DCG) HDR

The OG12S10 employs on‑chip DCG, allowing the sensor to toggle between a high‑gain mode for low‑light scenes and a low‑gain mode for bright conditions. This duality yields a 74 dB dynamic range while keeping read noise at a sub‑3 e‑ level, a combination rarely seen in 12‑MP GS devices.

Nyxel Near‑Infrared (NIR) Technology

Omnivision’s proprietary Nyxel NIR layer enhances photon absorption in the 800‑950 nm band. Measured QE reaches 60 % at 850 nm and 40 % at 940 nm, translating to a five‑fold sensitivity gain over earlier 3.45 µm sensors. This makes the OG12S10 especially suitable for illumination‑free or low‑power NIR lighting in conveyor‑belt inspection or vehicle‑to‑infrastructure (V2I) cameras.

Comparison with Previous‑Generation 12‑MP Global‑Shutter Sensor

Spec OG12S10 (2026) OG12S8 (2023)
Pixel Pitch 3.45 µm 3.45 µm
QE @ 850 nm 60 % 12 %
Minimum Exposure 1 µs 5 µs
Dynamic Range 74 dB 68 dB
Full‑Well Capacity 20 ke‑ 12 ke‑
Read Noise (HDR) 2.8 e‑ 4.5 e‑
Max Frame Rate (Full‑Res) 75 fps 60 fps
Interface 16‑lane sub‑LVDS / 4‑lane MIPI 8‑lane sub‑LVDS only

The table illustrates the OG12S10’s leap in NIR sensitivity, exposure speed, and overall image fidelity, positioning it as a clear upgrade for demanding vision applications.

Availability

The sensor will be offered in a ceramic land‑grid‑array (CLGA) package. Sampling kits are scheduled for release in November 2026, with volume production targeted for Q4 2026. OEMs can expect full documentation and driver support through Omnivision’s standard development portals.


Bottom Line

Omnivision’s OG12S10 delivers a rare blend of high resolution, ultra‑fast exposure, and superior NIR quantum efficiency in a single global‑shutter package. Its dual‑conversion‑gain HDR, 74 dB dynamic range, and 75 fps capability make it a compelling choice for high‑throughput factory automation, robotics, and next‑generation ITS cameras that demand motion‑free, low‑light performance. With sampling slated for late 2026 and mass production shortly thereafter, the OG12S10 is set to become a benchmark sensor for industrial vision systems seeking both speed and sensitivity.

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