Sony IMX928 Series Analysis: How 68MP Global Shutter Redefines High-Speed Industrial Vision

Introduction
In industrial imaging, there is a familiar adage: you cannot have both high resolution and high frame rate. This technical paradox has challenged system integrators for years-until Sony's Pregius S platform gradually overcame this limitation through continuous evolution.

In 2025, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Group launched the IMX928 series of global shutter CMOS image sensors, including the monochrome IMX928 AMB and color IMX928 AQB. With 68MP resolution and 138fps high-speed output, these sensors strike a balance between speed and resolution within the IMX927 product line.

This article explores the technical value of these sensors from four perspectives: specification comparison, core advantages, endoscope module compatibility, and key application areas.

1. IMX928 AMB vs. IMX928 AQB: Technical Specifications

1.1 Shared Platform

Both sensors are based on the same Pregius S back-illuminated stacked architecture, separating the pixel layer from the circuitry. This design ensures high sensitivity while achieving faster signal processing.

1.2 Frame Rate Performance

Frame rates vary by output bit depth:

In real cameras, system design can affect the effective frame rate. For example, Allied Vision's hr928M100GE monochrome camera achieves 138fps, while the color hr928C100GE reaches 68fps-likely due to additional processing overhead for color reconstruction.

1.3 Core Differences: Monochrome vs. Color

The fundamental distinction is the presence of a color filter array:

Sensitivity: The monochrome sensor (IMX928 AMB) has higher quantum efficiency as incident light reaches photodiodes directly, enabling superior performance in low-light, short-exposure scenarios.

Spatial resolution: Monochrome captures full 68MP without demosaicing. Color sensors lose approximately 30% of fine detail during Bayer reconstruction.

Output format: Monochrome outputs pure grayscale for quantitative analysis and 3D measurement, while color outputs raw Bayer data requiring processing for full-color images.

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

2. Core Advantages of the IMX928 Series

2.1 Global Shutter: Accurate High-Speed Capture

Unlike rolling shutters used in consumer cameras, IMX928 employs a global shutter, exposing all pixels simultaneously. This eliminates "jello" distortion when imaging fast-moving objects-critical for inspection of high-speed PCB, wafer, or electronic components on industrial production lines.

2.2 Advanced Pixel Architecture: Clear Low-Light Detail

IMX928 uses Sony's back-illuminated pixel structure with 2.74μm pixels, providing high sensitivity and high saturation. Advantages include:

Clear detail in low-light environments, with suppressed shadow noise.

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

2.3 1-Shot HDR: Preserving Detail in Complex Scenes

The 1-Shot HDR function expands dynamic range in a single exposure while maintaining frame rate and resolution. In PCB inspection, it simultaneously captures bright solder joints and dark substrates, reducing misclassification.

2.4 Flexible Output Interfaces: Simplified Integration

SLVS-EC interfaces support up to 12.5Gbps per lane, enabling high data throughput with fewer channels, easing FPGA selection, and supporting high-resolution real-time data transfer for CoaXPress-over-Fiber and 100GigE Vision systems.

2.5 Modular Packaging: Camera Design Flexibility

The 45×52mm ceramic package with connectors offers:

Pin compatibility across 16 products, supporting universal camera platform design.

Detachable design for flexible sensor swapping.

Space for heatsinks to maintain thermal stability during extended operation.

3. Endoscope Module Compatibility

3.1 Feasibility Assessment

IMX928 can be used in endoscopic imaging but with significant limitations:

Size threshold: 45×52mm package exceeds typical soft endoscope tip diameters (10–12mm), so cannot fit in flexible insertion tubes.

Applicable use: Suitable for rigid endoscopes (laparoscopes, thoracoscopes, arthroscopes) with body-mounted sensors, or surgical microscopes with internal sensor placement.

Comparison: Typical endoscope sensors are <15mm, designed for soft-tip integration. IMX928 targets industrial/hard-endoscope use.

3.2 Unique Advantages in Endoscopy

Global shutter clinical value: Reduces motion blur from heartbeat, respiration, or pulsation during thoracoscopic or laparoscopic surgery.

Monochrome fluorescence potential: IMX928 AMB's high near-IR sensitivity supports indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging for liver, biliary, and tumor surgery.

Color accuracy: IMX928 AQB preserves true tissue color, aiding color-dependent surgical decisions. High resolution (68MP) enables large FOV observation while allowing digital zoom without losing detail.

3.3 Comparison with Other Sensors

4. Key Application Areas

4.1 Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)

IMX928 targets 2D/3D AOI. 68MP resolution enables larger PCB coverage while capturing tiny components. Global shutter ensures distortion-free images, and 1-Shot HDR preserves details across high-reflective solder and dark substrates.

4.2 Semiconductor & Precision Electronics Inspection

High pixel density covers more wafer area per shot, reducing stitching and increasing throughput.

4.3 Flat Panel Display Inspection

OLED/LCD pixel-level defect detection benefits from high resolution, capturing multiple areas per shot.

4.4 Lithium-Ion Battery Inspection

High resolution and sensitivity ensure quality inspection of electrode coating uniformity, separator defects, and electrode alignment. High-speed output matches modern production lines.

4.5 3D Laser Profilometry

IMX928 AMB's high SNR translates to precise height measurement, e.g., solder joint height, BGA ball inspection, and precision part contouring. 138fps enables online full inspection.

4.6 Scientific and Professional Imaging

High-speed physics recording, biomechanics analysis, and sports analytics benefit from global shutter and high resolution for detailed post-processing.

Industry analysts suggest Sony's industrial sensors, while designed for production, may eventually influence consumer cameras, with >100MP and >225fps potentially becoming standard for high-end models.

5. Selection Recommendations

Choose IMX928 AMB (monochrome) when:

Object color is irrelevant (e.g., wafers, precision metal parts, battery electrodes)

Using structured light or laser for 3D measurement

Operating in low-light environments requiring maximum sensitivity

Performing fluorescence or multispectral imaging

Conducting quantitative analysis based on grayscale values

Choose IMX928 AQB (color) when:

Object features rely on color coding

Color consistency assessment is required (e.g., pharmaceutical packaging, printing)

Direct color images are needed for human review

Sorting relies on color (e.g., food grading)

Multiple color channels must be captured simultaneously

6. Technology Outlook and Industry Impact

The IMX928 continues Pregius S's evolution toward higher resolution and speed. 68MP global shutter is now a mature, mass-producible product, not a lab prototype.

System integrators gain design flexibility: pin-compatible modular packaging allows the same camera platform to accommodate