Samsung launches 200MP image sensor

     Samsung's ISOCELL HP2 sensor enhances full well capacity to fully unlock its pixel performance, enabling Samsung's advanced pixel technology to deliver vivid detail and a silky, smooth photographic experience even in low light. On January 17, Samsung Electronics introduced its latest 200-megapixel (200MP) image sensor, ISOCELL HP2, whose advanced pixel technology and full well capacity will provide an amazing video experience for future high-end smartphone devices.

     JoonSeo Yim, executive vice President of Samsung's Sensor business team, said :" To achieve our goal of ultra-high resolution, we designed our sensors not only to add more pixels, but also to continue to advance steadily in the industry through innovative pixel technology. Such as ISOCELL HP2's dual vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technology and dual slope gain (DSG) technology, these sensors can take image quality to new levels. "Going forward, Samsung will continue to push the boundaries of technology and bring exceptional image capture capabilities to mobile devices."

     The ISOCELL HP2 sensor is 0.6 micron (μm) in 1/1.3 inch optical format and can accommodate 200 million pixels, a sensor configuration widely used in high-end smartphones today. For handset makers, the transition from 108 megapixels to 200 megapixels is easy, given that optical sensors of the same or similar size were used in previous models.

     With Tetra2pixel, Samsung's advanced pixel merging technology, the HP2 can simulate different pixel sizes to suit different light levels, allowing the camera to do more work in more scenes. In low-light environments, HP2 converts the sensor into a 1.2 micron (μm) 50 megapixel (50MP) or 2.4 micron (μm) 12.5 megapixel (12.5MP) image sensor by merging four to 16 adjacent pixels.

     Thanks to Samsung's new Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technology, the HP2 significantly reduces the problem of overexposure in bright light. A voltage transfer gate is placed at the bottom of the photodiode within each pixel to transfer electrons from the pixel to the logical layer. The D-VTG also accurately adds a second transfer gate to the pixel, increasing the pixel's full well capacity by more than 33 percent. By absorbing more electrons and efficiently transmitting signals, this method can reduce overexposure and enhance color reproduction, especially in bright light conditions.

     In low light environments, the Super QPD (Autofocus Solution) allows HP2 to fully invoke 200 million pixels to focus, taking autofocus performance to a new level. In addition, HP2 uses four adjacent pixels to identify horizontal and vertical pattern changes. Even in dim conditions as low as 1 lux, the new HP2 sensor can call on rich pattern data and numerous reference points to quickly autofocus on a subject.

     With a frame rate of 15 frames per second (fps), the HP2 allows mobile devices to take ultra-high resolution photos with less shutter lag than Samsung's predecessor. To take advantage of the high dynamic range (HDR) performance, Samsung has introduced the DSG function in 50 megapixel (50MP) mode, so that the analog signal received at the pixel level applies two independent conversion values. In addition, the HDR solution Intelligent ISO Pro combines two high, medium and low ISO readings from a single exposure, allowing the camera to shoot 12.5 megapixel images in HDR.