Understanding What Does CMOS Stand for in Cameras?

by techavvy

The question as to what does CMOS stand for in cameras is in hot pursuit due to its varied implications in the imaging industry. This is because – the sensor constitutes the integral part of a camera as it's the most capable type of the genre.

The question as to what does CMOS stand for in cameras is in hot pursuit due to its varied implications in the imaging industry. This is because – the sensor constitutes the integral part of a camera as it's the most capable type of the genre. This article is an attempt to explain the role CMOS sensor plays in gracing cameras exemplary performance.

To start the discussion on what does CMOS stand for in cameras, let us have a look at the CMOS sensor basic structure and how it works.

Wide Adoption

The term CMOS is an acronym for complementary metal oxide semiconductor which is the most widely used technology in integrated circuits designs. These sensors convert incident photons into electric charges by using photoelectric effect. The difference lies in the way this information is transmitted. Until recently, CMOS image sensors were considered inferior to CCD imagers because of the justified reputation to produce

Blurred images

Defective pixels

less sensitivity to light

Unlike CCD sensors – CMOS sensors can be fabricated by using semiconductor fabrication lines that are used in static RAM memory chips and billions of microprocessors. This characteristic feature makes them a cost effective option to consider alongside other benefits such as

Cheaper for mass production

Low power consumption

Better battery life

Low heat dissipation

Limitations

Besides, numerous perks associated with CMOS sensor architecture- there are also some limitations endorsed by this technology. For instance, CMOS sensors stand low in dynamic range and are inherently less sensitive. This is because- CMOS sensors based on integrated circuit technology constitute all the required circuitry needed to perform their functions. This in turn reduces overall surface area subjected to light thus reducing the light-sensitivity.

To overcome this limitation, back lit versions of CMOS image sensors are now available with smaller circuitry. These back-side illumination sensors comprise of a very thin substrate instead of several layers of the sensor for offering maximized sensitivity. Moreover, the rolling shutter issues are also resolved by increasing the read-out frequency of the sensor. That's make them the preferred choice in the range of sensors that changed paradigms of technology evolution from inferior option to becoming the best choice.

Hence, what does CMOS stand for in cameras can be probed into by considering the multiple advantages of this technology breakthrough in form of better electronics, compact designs, low energy consumption, high resistance to blooming effects, high frame rates and cheap to mass produce.

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