CCD and CMOS technology, these are what you do not understand!
The widespread use of imaging systems in industrial applications continues to grow, driven not only by advancements in image sensor technologies and products, but also by improvements in supporting platforms such as computing power and high-speed data interfaces. Today, these systems are widely used across various fields, including wiring inspection, traffic monitoring, surveillance, and medical and scientific imaging. Thanks to progress in image sensor technology, performance, reading speed, and resolution have all significantly improved. As modern image sensors are now based on either charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technologies, it’s essential to compare these two platforms to determine which is best suited for a given application.
The development of electronic imaging began in the 1960s with the invention of the first CCD by Nobel laureates Boyle and Smith. These devices rely on doped silicon to convert photons into electrons, storing the resulting charge at the pixel level to measure light intensity. One of the main advantages of this design is its simplicity—every pixel can be used to detect photons, store charge, and provide maximum signal levels, allowing for a wide dynamic range.
In this architecture, the charge from each pixel is transferred to a limited output, where it is converted into a voltage. Over time, this design evolved into the Interline Transfer CCD, which includes an electronic shutter at the pixel level, eliminating the need for a mechanical one. Today, CCDs are manufactured using customized semiconductor processes optimized for imaging, often requiring external circuitry to convert analog signals into digital form. Key characteristics of CCDs include efficient electronic shutters, wide dynamic range, and excellent image uniformity.
In contrast, CMOS image sensors were originally developed using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes, similar to those used for logic chips, microprocessors, and memory modules. This approach allows digital processing functions to be directly integrated onto the chip, enhancing overall performance. Unlike CCDs, which transfer charge to a single output, CMOS sensors place transistors within each pixel or group of pixels, converting charge into voltage. This enables faster and more flexible image reading, and advanced processing can be embedded directly on the chip, allowing for outputs like fully processed JPEG images or even H.264 video streams.
While CCDs historically offered superior image quality, the gap has narrowed significantly in recent years, with CMOS sensors now capable of meeting the needs of many applications. For example, ON Semiconductor’s PYTHON CMOS image sensor series demonstrates that CMOS technology can deliver high-quality imaging suitable for online inspection, traffic monitoring, and motion analysis. Although some top-tier CCDs may still outperform these CMOS models in certain parameters, the latter’s advantages—such as higher frame rates, lower power consumption, and region-of-interest (ROI) imaging—are becoming increasingly important in industrial settings.
Despite the growing dominance of CMOS, CCDs are not expected to disappear entirely. Their unique architectural features ensure they will continue to hold an edge in applications requiring the highest imaging performance, such as medical and scientific imaging. Image uniformity, for instance, remains a key strength of CCDs, as they route charge from all pixels to a single amplifier, avoiding the need for multiple amplifiers that can introduce inconsistencies. This makes them ideal for critical applications where accurate, unprocessed images are essential.
Moreover, CCDs allow for fine-tuning of specific imaging characteristics, such as optimizing dynamic range for astrophotography while sacrificing anti-blooming capabilities. They also offer extremely low dark current, making them well-suited for long exposure times in low-light conditions. ON Semiconductor, recognizing these benefits, continues to invest in CCD technology, recently introducing a new platform that combines the imaging performance of Interline Transfer CCDs with the low sensitivity of Electron Multiplication (EMCCD) output.
This hybrid approach enables cameras to capture both very low-light scenes (like moonlight or starlight) and bright areas (such as street lights) simultaneously—a feature that CMOS sensors cannot replicate due to their limited operating voltage range. Products featuring this technology offer 1080p resolution and 30 fps, targeting applications such as low-light surveillance, scientific research, and medical imaging.
When comparing CCD and CMOS technologies, it's important to recognize that neither is universally superior. Each has its own strengths and is better suited for different applications. While CMOS is becoming more prevalent, CCDs still excel in areas like image uniformity, dynamic range, and low-noise performance. Therefore, the best approach is to evaluate the specific requirements of the application and match them with the appropriate sensor technology.
In cases where the choice isn’t clear, working with companies that offer both technologies can help ensure an objective decision. By accessing a broad range of products based on both CCD and CMOS, end users can identify and select the most suitable solution for their needs, ultimately achieving the best results.
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