Introduction: The Breakthrough Positioning of IMX925

In November 2024, Sony Semiconductor Solutions released the next-generation industrial global shutter CMOS image sensor, the IMX925 series, including the monochrome IMX925 AMJ and color IMX925 AQJ. This series quickly gained attention in the industrial vision field for its outstanding performance metrics.

The most remarkable feature of the IMX925 series is its ability to deliver approximately 24.55 million effective pixels (24.5MP) in a compact 1.2-inch optical format, while achieving a staggering 442 frames per second (fps). Compared with Sony's previous IMX530, it offers roughly 4× faster processing speed and more than 2× improved power efficiency, thanks to Sony's proprietary Pregius S back-illuminated stacked pixel structure and newly optimized circuit design.

Significantly, the IMX925 series is Sony's first 24.5MP global shutter sensor compatible with C-mount lenses, enabling easy integration into existing industrial machine vision systems. This makes it ideal for applications such as camera endoscope USB integration, android camera borescope systems, and high-speed industrial imaging modules.

Part 1: IMX925 AMJ vs. IMX925 AQJ Technical Comparison

1.1 Common Technology Platform

Both sensors use the Pregius S stacked back-illuminated architecture, separating the pixel layer from the circuit layer. This ensures high sensitivity while enabling high-speed global shutter readout.

1.2 Frame Rate Performance

IMX925 delivers exceptional frame rates at full resolution:

At 10-bit 394fps, the sensor captures 39.4 billion pixels per second, setting a new speed benchmark for industrial CMOS sensors. This capability is ideal for endoscope USB camera modules and camera module boards used in high-speed machine vision and borescope systems.

1.3 Key Differences Between Monochrome and Color Versions

Light Sensitivity: Monochrome sensors, without a color filter, allow all incoming light to reach the photodiode, improving quantum efficiency-critical for low-light or high-speed imaging.

Spatial Resolution: Monochrome version records full brightness for all 24.5MP pixels, while color versions reconstruct color through demosaicing, causing slight detail loss.

Output Format: Monochrome outputs grayscale ideal for quantitative measurement; color outputs raw Bayer data requiring color processing.

Spectral Response: Monochrome covers visible to near-infrared, enabling fluorescence imaging, while color preserves accurate RGB reproduction.

1.4 Unique Features

Monochrome IMX925 AMJ: Supports pixel binning modes (2×1, 1×2, 2×2), boosting sensitivity while maintaining resolution in key directions.

Color IMX925 AQJ: Offers selective color readout, allowing subsampling of red, green, or blue channels for specialized imaging patterns.

Shared: Both support 1-Shot HDR, expanding dynamic range in a single exposure-essential for scenes with high-reflectivity metals and dark substrates.

Part 2: Core Technical Advantages

2.1 Revolutionary High-Speed Processing

The IMX925 series features ~4× faster pixel readout than IMX530, enabling:

Faster inspection on PCB lines for ultra-high-speed SMT production

Increased image capture per unit time, reducing measurement cycles

High-speed data for advanced inspection, including 3D measurements

2.2 Outstanding Power Efficiency

With >2× better energy efficiency than previous sensors:

Lower heat simplifies cooling and allows compact camera module board design

Reduced energy costs support green manufacturing

Enables embedded systems and portable android camera borescope devices

2.3 Global Shutter: Perfect Capture of Fast Motion

All pixels expose simultaneously, eliminating rolling-shutter artifacts, critical for high-speed electronics inspection or endoscope USB camera applications.

2.4 Pregius S Technology: High Image Quality in Small Pixels

Back-illuminated, stacked architecture maintains high sensitivity and dynamic range even with 2.74µm pixels

Low dark current ensures clear low-light imaging

High saturation capacity preserves detail in highlights and shadows

2.5 C-Mount Compatibility: Simplified System Integration

Fits most industrial C-mount lenses, reducing need for custom optics

Enables compact camera endoscope USB modules

Lowers system integration costs and accelerates development cycles

2.6 Advanced SLVS-EC Interface

Supports up to 12.5Gbps per lane, reducing the number of channels needed for high-bandwidth applications

Compatible with next-gen interfaces like CoaXPress-over-Fiber and 100GigE Vision

Allied Vision launched fxo925C100GE camera, supporting 442fps full-resolution output

Part 3: Adaptability for Endoscope Camera Modules

3.1 Feasibility

Package: 24.5 × 21.4mm-too large for soft endoscopes (<12mm), but ideal for rigid endoscopes and surgical microscopes

C-mount allows easy integration into existing optics

Applications: hard endoscopes (laparoscopes, arthroscopes), microscope imaging, industrial borescopes

3.2 Unique Value for Endoscope Imaging

Global shutter reduces motion blur in pulsing organs

High frame rate captures fine physiological motions

Monochrome AMJ supports ICG fluorescence imaging in surgical guidance

Color AQJ ensures accurate tissue color reproduction

Small package enables integration into compact camera module boards

3.3 Comparison With Mainstream Endoscope Sensors

IMX925 strikes a balance between resolution, speed, and compactness, making it ideal for camera endoscope USB systems.

Part 4: Key Application Scenarios

2D/3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): High-res, distortion-free imaging for PCBs

3D Laser Scanning / Structured Light: High frame rate + global shutter ensures accurate depth capture

Semiconductor & Precision Electronics: Fast inspection of wafers and packaged chips

Lithium-ion Battery Inspection: Real-time monitoring in high-speed roll-to-roll manufacturing

Flat-Panel Display Testing: Pixel-level defect detection on large OLED/LCD panels

Volumetric Imaging & Sports Analysis: High-speed capture of human/athlete motion

Scientific Imaging: High-speed physics, bio-motion capture

IMX925 supports both android camera borescope modules and industrial camera module boards, fulfilling high-resolution and high-speed imaging needs across multiple domains.

Part 5: Selection Guidance

Choose Monochrome IMX925 AMJ When:

Target objects do not require colo

Low-light or fluorescence imaging is needed

Quantitative grayscale measurements or high-SNR 3D imaging

Choose Color IMX925 AQJ When:

Color differentiation is critical (packaging, tissue, printing)

Color-based sorting or visual verification is required

Accurate real-time color display is needed

Part 6: System Integration Considerations

6.1 Interface and Bandwidth

The IMX925 series supports the latest SLVS-EC interface, capable of up to 12.5 Gbps per lane. High per-lane data rates reduce the number of channels required for transmitting the same amount of data, expanding the range of compatible FPGAs.

For example, outputting 24.5MP 8-bit images at 442 fps generates approximately 10.8 billion pixels per second, corresponding to a bandwidth requirement of roughly 86.4 Gbps. Achieving this requires multi-lane configurations, and the IMX925 supports various modes including 8×2, 6×2, and 4×2 lanes.

This makes the IMX925 highly suitable for camera module boards, android camera borescope devices, or camera endoscope USB systems that demand both high resolution and high-speed throughput.

6.2 Connectivity With Mainstream Platforms

Several industrial camera manufacturers are already developing products based on the IMX925. For instance, Allied Vision's fxo925C100GE camera uses a 100GigE interface and supports 442fps full-resolution output.

This allows system integrators to select mature, proven camera platforms, significantly shortening development cycles for applications like endoscope USB camera modules or industrial borescopes.

6.3 C-Mount Lens Compatibility

The 1.2-inch sensor format fits standard C-mount lenses, the most widely used industrial camera lens standard. System integrators can directly select from a large library of existing C-mount optics without requiring custom designs. This simplifies integration for camera endoscope USB modules, android camera borescopes, and other compact camera module board systems.

6.4 Thermal Design

High-speed operation generates significant heat. While Sony's optimized energy efficiency reduces power consumption by more than 2× compared to previous sensors, system integrators still need to design appropriate cooling solutions tailored to their applications. Proper thermal management is critical for maintaining reliable image quality in high-speed, high-resolution camera modules.

Part 7: Technical Outlook and Industry Impact

The launch of the IMX925 series represents a new phase in industrial imaging. Its combination of 24.55MP resolution and 442fps high-speed output in a compact 1.2-inch form factor offers an ideal solution for applications that demand both high resolution and high-speed performance.

Sony also plans a complete IMX925 family, including a low-power version IMX935 with the same resolution, as well as 1/1.1-inch 12.41MP IMX926/IMX936 series. All utilize the same 2.74µm pixel architecture and Pregius S platform, with samples expected to roll out by May 2025.

For system integrators, this allows flexible sensor selection on the same platform, optimizing for frame rate, resolution, and power consumption while significantly shortening product development cycles.

For medical device developers, the IMX925 series' compact size makes it a practical choice for rigid endoscopes, surgical microscopes, and diagnostic imaging systems. The monochrome version is particularly promising for fluorescence imaging, while 394fps high-speed capture enables monitoring of rapid physiological movements.

End users benefit from expanded device selection, whether prioritizing ultra-high resolution or high-speed dynamic imaging, finding a suitable sensor solution in the IMX925 family.

Conclusion

The IMX925 AMJ and IMX925 AQJ are milestone products in Sony's Pregius S technology platform. They achieve an excellent balance between 24.55MP resolution, 442fps high-speed output, and compact 1.2-inch size, providing a new core component choice for industrial vision applications.

For medical imaging developers, although integrating directly into soft endoscopes remains challenging due to size constraints, the IMX925 series enables ultra-high-definition dynamic imaging for rigid endoscopes, surgical microscopes, and clinic-based diagnostic systems. The monochrome version, in particular, shows great potential for ICG fluorescence-guided surgery.

Technology continues to evolve, but products like the IMX925 are pushing the boundaries of industrial imaging, opening up new possibilities for camera module boards, endoscope USB cameras, android camera borescopes, and other advanced imaging systems.