Researchers Extend CMOS Image Sensor Dynamic Range Beyond Native Bit Depth Using Interleaved Row Readout
Researchers modified a commercial CMOS image sensor's readout scheme to achieve a dynamic range of 134 dB, nearly doubling the sensor's native 71 dB capability from its 12-bit depth. The technique, called interleaved row readout, selectively reads certain rows more frequently to prevent saturation while reading others once per image. On-sky testing successfully captured unsaturated images of bright stars while detecting much fainter background stars in a single exposure.
A team has advanced the interleaved row readout method to enhance the dynamic range of a Teledyne e2v CIS120 CMOS image sensor beyond its inherent 12-bit limitation. The approach involves reading selected rows at higher frequency to avoid saturation while reading other rows once per image cycle, effectively expanding the sensor's usable brightness range from approximately 71 dB to 134 dB. Laboratory testing validated the technique, and on-sky observations demonstrated its practical utility by capturing unsaturated images of bright stars (Vega and Polaris, magnitude ~0) while simultaneously detecting background stars as faint as Gaia magnitude 15 in a single exposure. The researchers note that the achievable dynamic range is now limited primarily by readout noise and optical scattering rather than sensor bit depth. This advancement could improve astronomical imaging and other applications requiring simultaneous capture of objects with vastly different brightness levels.
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- arXiv astro-phCenter
Dynamic Range Beyond Bit Depth of a CMOS Image Sensor Using Interleaved Row Readout
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