Sony today announced the commercialization of "Exmor RS," a CMOS image sensor incorporating a newly-developed 'stacked structure.'

Shipments will commence in October. Sony is introducing three models of the "Exmor RS," stacked CMOS image sensor, for use in smartphones and tablets, which combine high image quality and advanced functionality with compact size. Sony will also launch three corresponding imaging modules incorporating these sensors.

The "Exmor RS" is a CMOS image sensor that adopts a unique 'stacked structure.' This structure layers the pixel section, containing formations of back-illuminated pixels over the chip affixed with mounted circuits for signal processing, in place of conventional supporting substrates used for back-illuminated CMOS image sensors.

Two of the three "Exmor RS" models Sony is launching are the 'IMX135', a type 1/3.06 model with 13.13 effective megapixels and the 'IMX134', a type 1/4 model with 8.08 effective megapixels, which feature 'RGBW coding' function and 'HDR (High Dynamic Range) movie' function. The 'RGBW coding' function can capture clear images even when filmed or photographed in low light conditions, such as a dark room or at night by featuring W (white) pixels in addition to conventional RGB (red-green-blue) pixels, and leveraging Sony?s proprietary device technology and signal processing to heighten sensitivity without compromising its high resolution. 'HDR (High Dynamic Range) movie' function enables two different exposure conditions to be configured within a single screen when shooting, and seamlessly performs appropriate image processing to generate optimal images with a wide dynamic range, even when pictures are taken against bright light. The other "Exmor RS" model is the 'ISX014', a type 1/4 model with 8.08 effective megapixels, which has a built-in camera signal processing function.



In addition to the higher image quality the use of a 'stacked structure' has helped Sony to achieve a more compact size.

Sony will also bring to market three compact auto-focus imaging modules equipped with lens units and featuring auto-focus mechanisms that incorporate these image sensors: the 'IU135F3-Z,' 'IU134F9-Z' and 'IUS014F-Z'. These three imaging modules adopt a newly-designed lens which has been optimized for the industry's smallest 1.12?m unit pixel size to achieve higher resolution.

The 'IU135F3-Z' is an auto-focus imaging module incorporating a bright, high-resolution F2.2 lens. The 'IU134F9-Z' (W:8.5 x D:8.5 x H:4.2mm) is thin and compact. The 'IUS014F-Z' is an all-in-one imaging module that comprises an image sensor with built-in camera signal processing function and built-in auto-focus and picture adjustment function.