A New Choice in 68MP Global Shutter Sensors: Sony IMX938 Series Technical Analysis And Industry Applications

Introduction: Positioning and Value of IMX938
Within Sony's Pregius S sensor family, the IMX938 series stands out as a notable member. Sharing the same 68MP resolution and 2.0-inch optical format as the previously introduced IMX928, the IMX938 differentiates itself with a lower maximum frame rate of 70fps. This strikes a balance between resolution and speed, making it a more suitable choice for applications where ultra-high speed is not the priority.

Sony offers both a monochrome IMX938 AMB and a color IMX938 AQB. This dual-offering strategy provides system designers with flexibility to select the optimal sensor for their specific application requirements.

1. IMX938 AMB vs. IMX938 AQB: Technical Specifications

1.1 Shared Platform

Both sensors are built on the Pregius S back-illuminated stacked architecture, separating the pixel layer from the circuit layer. This design achieves high sensitivity while enabling the fast readout capabilities of a global shutter.

1.2 Frame Rate Performance

Frame rates vary by output bit depth:

1.3 Core Differences: Monochrome vs. Color

The primary distinction between IMX938 AMB and AQB is the presence of a color filter array, resulting in:

Sensitivity: Monochrome sensors have higher quantum efficiency as incoming light directly hits the photodiodes. This enables detection of weak signals under low-light conditions, which is critical for high-speed, short-exposure imaging.

Spatial resolution: Each monochrome pixel independently captures luminance, achieving the theoretical 68MP limit. Color sensors require demosaicing, which reduces fine detail by approximately 30%.

Output format: Monochrome produces pure grayscale suitable for quantitative analysis and 3D measurement. Color sensors output raw Bayer data requiring processing to reconstruct full-color images.

Spectral response: Monochrome covers visible to near-infrared, supporting multispectral and fluorescence imaging. Color sensors include an IR-cut filter for accurate color reproduction but at the cost of near-IR sensitivity.

1.4 Positioning vs. IMX928

IMX938 shares the same pixel architecture and resolution as IMX928 but differs in frame rate:

The lower frame rate of the IMX938 indicates possible optimizations in power consumption and signal processing, making it suitable for applications that prioritize image quality and system stability over maximum speed.

2. Core Advantages of the IMX938 Series

2.1 Advanced Pixel Architecture: Clear Low-Light Imaging

Using Sony's back-illuminated 2.74 μm pixels, the IMX938 series achieves high sensitivity and large full-well capacity. Benefits include:

Clear detail in low-light environments, with effective noise suppression in shadows, crucial for short-exposure high-speed imaging.

Low dark current and temporal noise, improving SNR and reducing false positives in AI vision pipelines.

2.2 Global Shutter: Accurate Capture of Fast Motion

Unlike consumer cameras with rolling shutters, all pixels in IMX938 are exposed simultaneously, eliminating "jello" distortion. This ensures accurate imaging of fast-moving PCBs, wafers, or electronic components on industrial production lines.

2.3 1-Shot HDR: Preserving Detail in Complex Scenes

IMX938 supports 1-Shot HDR, extending dynamic range in a single exposure while maintaining frame rate and resolution. For example, in PCB inspection, this allows simultaneous capture of bright solder joints and dark substrates, reducing misclassification.

2.4 Flexible Output Interfaces: Simplifying System Integration

SLVS-EC v3.1/v3.2 interfaces support up to 12.5Gbps per lane, reducing the number of required channels and expanding FPGA options. This supports next-generation high-speed interfaces like CoaXPress-over-Fiber and 100GigE Vision, enabling real-time lossless high-resolution data transmission.

2.5 Modular Packaging: Camera Design Flexibility

The 45×52mm ceramic package with connectors provides:

Pin compatibility across the 16-product series, enabling universal camera platform design.

Detachable design for easy sensor replacement, simplifying assembly compared to surface-mounted sensors.

Rear space for heatsinks, ensuring thermal stability during long-term operation.

2.6 Advanced Imaging Features

Monochrome: Supports multiple pixel binning modes (2×1, 1×2, 2×2) to enhance sensitivity and speed while maintaining resolution in necessary directions.

Color: Supports selective pixel readout for individual color channels (red, green, blue), allowing efficient subsampled imaging while maintaining full-color capability when needed.

3. Endoscope Module Compatibility

3.1 Feasibility

Technically, IMX938 can be used in endoscopic imaging, but with clear limitations:

Size threshold: Package size (45×52mm) exceeds typical soft endoscope tip diameters (10–12mm), making integration into flexible probes impossible.

Applicable use: Suitable for rigid endoscopes (laparoscopes, thoracoscopes, arthroscopes) with external cameras, or surgical microscopes where sensor placement is unrestricted.

Comparison: Typical endoscope sensors are <15mm for soft-tip integration; IMX938 targets industrial/hard-endoscope applications.

3.2 Unique Advantages in Endoscopy

Global shutter: Reduces motion blur from heartbeats, respiration, or vascular pulsation during surgery.

Monochrome fluorescence: High near-IR sensitivity enables ICG fluorescence imaging for liver, biliary, and tumor surgeries.

Color accuracy: Color sensors preserve tissue colors for accurate surgical decision-making. High resolution allows zooming on areas of interest without losing detail.

3.3 Comparison with Other Sensors

4. Key Application Areas

4.1 Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)

68MP resolution covers larger PCB areas in a single shot while preserving small-component details. Global shutter prevents distortion in high-speed lines; 1-Shot HDR captures bright and dark features simultaneously.

4.2 Semiconductor and Precision Electronics Inspection

High pixel density reduces image stitching, increasing throughput for wafer and chip inspection.

4.3 Flat Panel Display Inspection

Detects micro-defects across OLED and LCD panels with a single high-resolution capture.

4.4 Lithium-Ion Battery Inspection

High sensitivity and resolution enable uniformity checks, defect detection, and alignment verification at production line speeds.

4.5 Solar Panel Inspection

Detects micro-cracks, hidden fractures, and printing defects; large format captures multiple cells per shot, improving inspection efficiency.

4.6 3D Laser Profilometry

Monochrome AMB's high SNR ensures accurate height measurement for solder joints, BGA balls, and precision parts. 70fps supports full inline inspection.

4.7 Scientific and Professional Imaging

High-speed phenomena, biomechanics, and sports analytics benefit from geometric accuracy and high-resolution detail.

5: Selection Recommendations

Scenarios for Selecting the Monochrome IMX938 AMB Version

When the inspection target does not rely on color information, such as semiconductor wafers, precision metal parts, or lithium electrode sheets

When performing 3D measurement using structured light or laser to output height maps

When operating in low-light environments requiring maximum sensitivity

When performing fluorescence imaging or multispectral imaging requiring full spectral flexibility

Performing quantitative analysis based on grayscale measurements and judgments

Scenarios for Selecting the Color Version IMX938 AQB

Inspection targets include color-coded components or markings

Requiring color consistency verification, such as pharmaceutical packaging or printed material quality control

Needing to output intuitive color images for manual review or display

Inspections involving color-based sorting, such as food grading

Requiring simultaneous capture of multiple color channel information

6. Technical Outlook and Industry Impact

The introduction of the Sony IMX938 series completes the Pregius S technology platform's product lineup at the 68MP resolution tier. Compared to the speed-focused IMX928, the IMX938's 70fps frame rate setting may offer advantages in power consumption control and image quality.

For system integrators, the IMX938 series provides new design flexibility. Pin-compatible modular packaging enables flexible switching between different sensor specifications on the same camera platform. This allows camera manufacturers to build universal hardware platforms configurable with sensors ranging from 12MP to 105MP based on customer needs, significantly shortening development cycles.

For end users, this means a broader selection of inspection equipment. Whether prioritizing extreme speed or seeking a balance between power consumption and performance, a matching sensor solution can be found.

As machine vision continues advancing toward ultra-high definition, the IMX938 series delivers more diverse solutions for industrial imaging.

Conclusion

The IMX938 AMB and IMX938 AQB represent precisely positioned products within Sony's Pregius S technology platform. They strike an optimal balance between 68MP resolution and 70fps high-speed output, offering new core component choices for industrial vision applications.

For medical device developers, while direct integration into flexible endoscopes faces size constraints, the IMX938 series enables ultra-high-definition dynamic imaging in rigid endoscopes, surgical microscopes, and examination room diagnostic equipment. Particularly noteworthy is the monochrome variant's promising applications in fluorescence imaging, warranting ongoing attention.

Technological evolution never ceases, yet products like the IMX938 are delivering precisely tailored imaging solutions for diverse application scenarios.