New AMS Image Sensors Deliver High-Resolution, High-Speed Industrial Vision

ams has unveiled the CSG series—a low‑noise, wide dynamic‑range image sensor family that empowers manufacturers to build industrial vision systems capable of delivering exceptional resolution at unprecedented frame rates.

The family consists of two sensors—the CSG14K and CSG8K—available in standard 1” and 1/1.1” optical formats. The CSG14K is a global‑shutter sensor that delivers 13.8 MP of resolution while capturing 10‑bit imagery at up to 140 fps and 12‑bit imagery at 93.6 fps. The CSG8K achieves even faster performance, recording 10‑bit images at 231 fps and 12‑bit images at 155 fps, all at a full 8 MP resolution. Both sensors employ true correlated double sampling (true‑CDS) to eliminate motion artifacts and produce razor‑sharp images of fast‑moving objects.

Combining high speed with high resolution in a standard format, the CSG sensors are ideal for industrial, security, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and broadcast video applications. In PCB assembly, for example, the sensors’ superior image quality and frame rate enable automated optical inspection (AOI) cameras to detect defects—such as missing or mis‑aligned components—more quickly and reliably. The sensors support six operating modes, including binning and windowing; when used in line‑scan or windowing mode, the effective frame rate can exceed the nominal full‑resolution rate.

These sensors represent the first ams products to feature a pixel design that delivers low noise, high sensitivity, high dynamic range, and HDR capability. The result is sharp, detailed imagery even in dim lighting conditions.

The CSG14K and CSG8K share a sub‑LVDS data interface identical to the ams CMV family. Each is packaged in a 20 mm×22 mm LGA, with identical footprints and pinouts, ensuring software compatibility. The CSG14K maintains a 1:1 aspect ratio, making it ideal for 29 mm×29 mm C‑mount industrial cameras, while the CSG8K offers a 16:9 aspect ratio suitable for video.

Because the sensors share a common hardware platform and interface, camera manufacturers can develop multiple product variants on a single board, simplifying design and reducing time‑to‑market while meeting diverse customer needs for speed, resolution, and aspect ratio.

“AOI is a vital part of the quality control process in modern factories. By delivering a fast frame rate and higher resolution, the CSG image sensors provide a simple way for industrial camera manufacturers to upgrade the performance of their products, and to enable their customers to raise throughput, productivity and quality – all in a standard optical format.”

Peter Vandersteegen, Marketing Manager, CMOS Image Sensors, ams