European Projects to Develop Next-Generation CMOS Imagers

Multiple European companies and institutions are taking part in two new projects aimed at developing the next generation of CMOS image sensors.

Both projects involve, from the Netherlands, Adimec Advanced Image Systems BV, Grass Valley Nederland BV and the Delft University of Technology, as well as Thales Angénieux SAS of France and SoftKinetic Sensors NV of Belgium.

The main objective of CISTERN – which stands for CMOS Image Sensor Technologies Readiness for Next-Generation of Applications – is to research technologies for image sensors needed in the future for several industries, including broadcast and entertainment, high-end security, and multispectral imaging. The project also involves University of Burgundy in France.

Adimec said it will contribute video-processing developments optimized for security applications and expertise with integrated camera lens assemblies.

The CISTERN project was awarded by the Cluster for Application and Technology Research in Europe on Nanoelectronics (CATRENE).

Another project, EXIST – which stands for Extended Imaging Sensor Technologies – will investigate and develop innovative new technologies for image sensors needed in the next two generations for systems designed to improve citizen security, safety and health care.

The image sensor research will focus on enhancing and extending the capabilities of current CMOS imaging devices for better performance including sensitivity, dynamic range and quantum efficiency. Key developments will be improvements in hyperspectral and multispectral capabilities.

The EXIST team also consists of the research institutes imec and iMinds in Belgium, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems in Germany, Le2i in France and TNO in the Netherlands, as well as the companies CMOSIS BVBA of Belgium, Sofradir SAS and Silios Technologies SA of France, and Focal 2.0 BV and Quest Photonic Devices BV of the Netherlands.

Adimec said it will contribute video-processing developments optimized for very high data rates and multi- and hyperspectral cameras for high-end security and medical applications.

The EXIST project was awarded by the Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership Joint Undertaking (ECSEL JU).

Both projects continue through 2018.

For more information, visit www.catrene.org and www.ecsel.eu.