On May 29, 2020, Sony announced its latest addition to the highly regarded Pregius™ Sensor series, setting new benchmarks in image quality for machine vision applications. The new Generation 4 sensor, dubbed Pregius™ S, boasts enhanced light sensitivity and a compact design that enables higher resolutions with smaller lenses.

A New Era of Backside Illumination

The Pregius™ S sensor represents a complete departure from its predecessors. Unlike traditional sensors where the photodiode and amplifier electronics share the same surface area exposed to light, this new design moves the amplifier electronics to the back side of the pixel. This “backside illuminated” approach allows nearly the entire pixel to function as a light-sensitive element.

By placing the relatively tall amplifier circuitry behind the photosensitive layer, the photodiode can be positioned closer to the microlens. This arrangement enables wider-angle illumination capture from multiple directions, significantly improving light sensitivity and quantum efficiency—particularly in the blue spectrum up to 320 nm.

Superior Performance in Compact Cameras

The Pregius™ S sensor features square pixels measuring just 2.74 µm, making it ideal for constructing high-resolution cameras with compact C-mount lenses. Despite their small size, these sensors deliver exceptional image quality backed by impressive electrical specifications:

  • Dark noise as low as 2.1 e- at a maximum saturation of 9,500 e-
  • A dynamic range exceeding 70 dB
  • Up to twice the data transmission speed compared to previous generations

Reduced Shading Effects and Shorter Focal Lengths

The backside illuminated design offers particular benefits for users requiring extremely short focal lengths. The wider light incidence angle reduces shading effects, while improved efficiency enhances overall sensitivity.

Sony is initially offering three resolution options with the new sensor:

  • 16.2 MP (1.1", IMX542)
  • 20.4 MP (1.1", IMX541)
  • 24.5MP (1.2", IMX540)

Compatibility Considerations for Compact Lenses

While the compact pixel size enables smaller cameras, achieving maximum resolution requires high-quality lenses. Users should carefully select C-mount lenses that can support the sensor’s capabilities.

Interestingly, lens prices tend to decrease as their size shrinks—good news for budget-conscious system integrators looking to minimize costs while maintaining performance standards.

The new Pregius™ S sensor combines cutting-edge technology with practical design considerations, positioning Sony at the forefront of machine vision innovation.

Last Updated: 2025-09-05 03:17:02