Introducing the LS2G Linescan Image Sensor Family

The LS2G linescan image sensor uses advanced CMOS image sensor technology offering high QE and low-noise readout to benefit demanding high-speed applications. LS2G offers sharp cutoff RGBW and NIR filters and is available in resolutions from 2K to 16K pixels. The LS2G sensor offers an unique integrated, 3.5um, 5 um, 7 um, and 10 um pixel array technology in one package, and combined with charge-domain binning features leading to extremely versatile use-case scenarios.



Unparalleled Scanning Flexibility

The LS2G linescan sensor family offers a selection of lines with 3.5um, 5um, 7um, and 10um pixel pitch. As such this allows the user to configure various horizontal line resolutions by using one hardware and sensor variation.

The diagram shown to the left presents the physical lines available in the LS2G sensors. The user can select from a total of 32 lines with different properties. Some imaging mode application examples amongst others are:

Rows 29 – 30 contain 7um clear pixel pitch line design.
Rows 25 – 26, and 27 – 28 contain lines at 3.5um pixel pitch. The row pairs 25-26 and 27-28 are half-pitch shifted to enable hyper-resolution imaging inspection systems.
Rows 20 – 24 provide R,G,B, and Clear lines at 7um pixel pitch for reduced resolution and lens formats with relaxed MTF requirements.
Rows 18 – 19 offer NIR-enhanced sensitivity for beyond visible spectral imaging.
Rows 14 – 17 with 5um pixels and staggered half-pitch shift can be employed for 2x hyper resolution imaging.
Rows 6 – 13 offer 5um pixels pitch with double row positioning. This configuration gives the user ability to perform 2x Digital Time Delay Integration (TDI) imaging with a single continuous scan step.
Rows 0 – 5 offer 5um pixel pitch with Clear, and RGB color filters for a typical single or multi-line scan applicaiton.

Visible and NIR Enhanced Options

LS2G is offered in a variant with enhanced NIR capabilities. The NIR option offers sharp NIR cutoff applied to the visible rows and a clear NIR-pass only applied to the NIR-enhanced rows. This enables the user to combine multi-line RGB+NIR channels and enable multiband scanning beyond the visible wavelength range. The method is proven effective and when combined with visible row readout enhances the overall scene. Depending on application demands the NIR-enhanced option offers many advantages in scene recognition.

            


High Scanning Speed

Depending on sensor variant LS2G delivers scanning speeds from 240 to 350 kHz in single-line mode, and 45 to 100 kHz in multi-line RGB mode at 12-bit ADC resolution. Scan rate can be further adjusted by a reduction of ADC resolution to 10 or 8-bit. Both completely external timing control and automatic line read triggering is possible with the sensor and is adjusted in correspondence with the application. There is no limitation in amount of rows to be read out, and depending on the application 3, 4, or even 6 or 8-line shuttered mode is possible.

Scalable ADC Resolution and Flexible Data Handling

The actual ADC resolution and conversion time can be configured by means of re-programming the internal sequencer of the sensor, which is by default set at the highest ADC count that can be generated for each of the reset and signal conversions. The sensor performs built-in digital CDS to cancel kTC noise and pixel output drifts. Available ADC resolutions are 12-bit, 10-bit, and 8-bit. Depending on desired sensor speed the user can trade more resolution for speed and the opposite.

LS2G allows to read out 5um pixels, 7um pixels and 10um pixels (realized by means of 2×2 binning of 5um pixels) in a continuous manner over the LVDS output taps. It is possible to deactivate 1 out of 2 or 3 out of 4 LVDS output readout taps. This provides the user with a flexible option when it comes to data transfer, handling and camera design. In addition to the flexibility in output channel selection, the user can select whether to read in 14:1, 12:1, 10:1, 8:1 and 6:1 data serialization mode.

The sensor clock is externally provided in LVDS form and can be scaled between 240 and 500 MHz (subject to sensor variation and package type).

Base Technical Data

Sensor Resolution: (2K, 4K, 6K, 8K, 12K, and 16K) x 32 lines; 24K and 32K with interpolation and digital post-processing
Pixel Size: 3.5 um, 5 um, 7 um pixel lines, 10 um with binning
Spectrum: Visible RGBW (400-700 nm); NIR (700-1000 nm) 
Max Line Rate: 300 kHz (mono); 45 to 75 kHz (color) 
ADC Resolution: 12-bit, scalable down to 10, 8 and 6-bit 
Data Output: 140 lane x 1 Gbps sLVDS, downtap modes: 4:1 and 2:1 
Control: Flexible control and triggering using external and internal sequencing mechanics 
Package: 12K and 16K COB system module; 6K LGA255 Ceramic

Resolution Options and Packaging

The LS2G family is currently available in the following three variants.

LS2G-6K
LS2G-12K
LS2G-16K

 

 

 







LS2G16K – 93mm x 65mm COB module with dual floating mating connectors.
LS2G12K – 73mm x 50mm COB module with single floating mating connector.
LS2G6K – 43mm x 11mm LGA255 ceramic.

Please see individual sensor pages for more information related to packaging.

Variant availability to order:

LS2G16K_V1.1_UIR Grade A to I
LS2G16K_V1.1_NIR Grade A to I
LS2G12K_V1.1_UIR Grade A to I
LS2G12K_V1.1_NIR Grade A to I
LS2G6K_V1.1_UIR Grade A to I
LS2G6K_V1.1_NIR Grade A to I

COB modules include an aloxite alloy-based heatsink with high thermal conductivity of no less than 40 Wm-1K-1 for highly efficient heat transfer to camera housing.

Target Applications

Material and Product Inspection – quality control and defect detection in manufacturing processes across industries identification of surface defects, irregularities, and contaminants in materials.
Sorting and Recycling – segregation of materials based on their composition, color, and shape.
Print and Textile Inspection – inspection of printed materials such as labels, packaging, newspapers, and magazines for defects, misprints, and color accuracy. Defect detection in inconsistencies in fabrics, yarns, and finished textile products.
Food Sorting and Inspection – quality control in food and beverage production to detect contaminants, foreign objects, and defects in food products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and packaged goods.
Glass and Paper Inspection – inspecting glass sheets, bottles, and containers for defects, scratches, bubbles, and other imperfections. Quality control of paper rolls, sheets, and printed materials for defects, tears, wrinkles, and print quality issues. 
Display and Touch Panel Inspection – inspection for defects, dead pixels, and uniformity issues with LCD and other display technologies.
Medical Imaging – diagnostic imaging, microscopy, and other medical applications.

Additional Information and Datasheet

Please visit the individual sensor device pages or send us an inquiry to obtain the datasheet of LS2G.