CMOS Digital Pixel Sensors: Technical Aspects and Applications

This lecture discusses advanced systems and technical aspects of CMOS digital pixel sensors. It begins with an overview of high integration in digital pixels, highlighting the inclusion of amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters within each pixel. The instructor explains the process of measuring light intensity through a time-to-frequency conversion method, detailing how the photodiode generates a photo current that charges a capacitor. The lecture emphasizes the importance of high dynamic range (HDR) imaging, showcasing a logarithmic camera that can handle varying illumination conditions, such as driving through a tunnel. The instructor illustrates the advantages of HDR by comparing the performance of logarithmic and standard cameras in challenging lighting scenarios. Additionally, the lecture covers the miniaturization of cameras, including the development of camera-on-a-chip technology and smartphone camera innovations, such as periscope telephoto lenses. The session concludes with insights into the future of camera technology and its applications in various fields.