7 Back-Illuminated CMOS Sensor Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for back-illuminated cmos sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 7 back-illuminated cmos sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked back-illuminated cmos sensor companies as of April, 2024: 1.VISION SYSTEMS DESIGN, 2.Sony Group Corporation, 3.Meiji Techno.
Table of Contents
What Is a Back-Illuminated CMOS Sensor?
A Back-Illuminated CMOS sensor is a type of CMOS sensor.
They are used in digital cameras and smartphones as image sensors that convert light information received through the lens into electrical signals.
There are two types of CMOS sensors: surface-illuminated and back-illuminated.
Conventional front-illuminated CMOS sensors have photodiodes on the opposite side of the surface from the incident side, whereas back-illuminated CMOS sensors have the structure of a photodiode on the incident side by irradiating light from the backside of the substrate.
Uses of Back-Illuminated CMOS Sensors
CMOS sensors are widely used as image sensors in digital cameras, smartphone cameras, and image inspection equipment.
Back-illuminated CMOS sensors are also used as distance image sensors in augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR), robots and drones that require autonomous operation, and object recognition and obstacle detection devices, due to their high sensitivity and low noise compared to conventional CMOS sensors.
They are also used in automotive applications such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and camera monitoring systems (CMS) that replace rearview mirrors.
Principle of Back-Illuminated CMOS Sensors
A CMOS sensor consists of one photodiode, amplifier, and switch per pixel, and operates on the principle of converting and storing the received light into an electric charge with the photodiode, converting the charge into a voltage signal with the amplifier, and reading out the signal per pixel by switching one switch after another to select photodiodes arranged in a grid pattern.
The principle of the sensor works by switching a series of switches that select photodiodes arranged in a grid and reading out the signal from each pixel.
Conventional surface-illuminated CMOS sensors, like ordinary CMOS circuits, have a structure of photodiodes on the bottom layer of the silicon substrate, a wiring layer above the photodiodes, and a color filter and on-chip lens on the layer above that.
The problem with conventional CMOS sensors with this structure is that the light focused by the on-chip lens reaches the photodiode, but is blocked by the wiring and transistor circuitry, resulting in reduced sensitivity.
On the other hand, in Back-Illuminated CMOS sensors, the photodiode and wiring layers are installed on a silicon substrate, the substrate is inverted and shaved, and a color filter and on-chip lens are mounted on the backside.
In this structure of Back-Illuminated CMOS sensors, the light-illuminating surface is the back of the silicon substrate, and the amount of light received by a unit pixel is increased compared to the front-illuminated type because the focused light is not affected by the wiring and transistors. It also has a higher sensitivity to light incident from oblique angles.
List of 7 Back-Illuminated CMOS Sensor Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
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- Japan
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RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
The new 1/1.7-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor combines high sensitivity with great beauty.
Manufacturer Overview
RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. established in Japan in 2011, is a seller engaged in integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support workplaces. Their product line includes cameras, lenses, binoculars, telescopes and accessories. The company's products are used in professional photography, filmmaking, journalism, wildlife and nature photography, sports photography and event coverage. The company has distribution in more than 200 countries in 5 conitinets as well as partnerships with camera manufacturers.
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Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
CCD area image sensor
Manufacturer Overview
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.
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VISION SYSTEMS DESIGN
Back-illuminated CMOS image sensor from SmartSens offers 0.3 MPixel resolution
Manufacturer Overview
Vision Systems Design, established in 2019 and headquartered in New Hampshire, USA, is a manufacturer of machine vision and image processing system design. The company provides essential guidance for designing and integrating complex machine vision and imaging systems. Its expertise addresses evolving system designs, product capabilities, and emerging technologies. Its editorial team offers diverse content, including real-world system design examples and integration projects, assisting professionals in optimizing systems for future advancements. The company's marketing solutions encompass advertising, content development, and data-driven strategies to effectively connect with key industry players.
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OMAX Microscope.
OMAX 20MP High-speed Back-illuminated CMOS Camera for Microscopes
Manufacturer Overview
OMAX Microscope, founded in 1970 and based in South Korea, is a manufacturer and retailer specializing in microscope products and accessories, including stereo, compound, digital, and industrial microscopes. The company offers biological, digital-integrated, fluorescence, metallurgical, multi-view compound microscopes, as well as microscope accessories such as cleaning kits, illuminators, microscope stands, adapters, and auxiliary lenses. The company has an ISO 9000 quality management system and produces products that are used in pharmaceutical, research facilities, geology, and educational applications.
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Company Overview
Meiji Techno Co., Ltd. (MTC) is a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of optical microscopes originally established in 1964 as Azuma Optics Company before rebranding in 1975. Based in Saitama, the company produces various microscopes for applications in education and life sciences, including inverted, compound, stereo, and polarizing models. These are utilized by clients in laboratory operations and quality control, analysis, and testing within the industrial sector. MTC has manufacturing facilities in Japan and China, with distribution operations in Shanghai, California, and New Jersey. Its North American subsidiary Meiji Techno America was incorporated in 1986, and is located in San Jose.
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Canon Europe Ltd
New back-illuminated, stacked sensor
Company Overview
Canon Europe Ltd, founded in 1957 and based in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and London, UK, manufactures printers and digital cameras for homes and businesses. Its customers include videographers, photographers, professional printers, medical imaging experts, office workers, and more. The company handles marketing operations and regional sales of Cannon for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and shares a quarter of Canon’s global revenues annually. Its products include cameras, scanners, camcorders, facsimiles, printers, personal copiers, document imaging, and office print and copy solutions.
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Back-Illuminated CMOS Sensor Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VISION SYSTEMS DESIGN |
22.7%
|
| 2 | Sony Group Corporation |
18.2%
|
| 3 | Meiji Techno |
18.2%
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| 4 | OMAX Microscope. |
13.6%
|
| 5 | RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. |
13.6%
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| 6 | Canon Europe Ltd |
9.1%
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| 7 | Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. |
4.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the back-illuminated cmos sensor page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Canon Europe Ltd: 22,166
- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.: 3,766
- Sony Group Corporation: 113
Newly Established Company
- RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.: 2011 (13 years ago)
- Meiji Techno: 1964 (60 years ago)
- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.: 1953 (71 years ago)
Company with a History
- Sony Group Corporation: 1946 (78 years ago)
- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.: 1953 (71 years ago)
- Meiji Techno: 1964 (60 years ago)
Global Distribution of Back-Illuminated CMOS Sensor Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Japan
|
4 | 100.0% |
