How do CMOS cameras work?

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) cameras work by converting light into electrical signals using an array of photosensitive pixels.

The Inner Workings of a CMOS Camera

CMOS cameras use a technology that allows each pixel to individually convert light (photons) into an electrical charge, which is then processed into an image. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Pixel Array

• A CMOS camera is structured with an array of tiny light-sensitive pixels. Think of it like a grid where each cell captures a small portion of the image.

2. Photon Conversion

• Each pixel in the CMOS sensor contains a photodiode and transistors. When a photon hits the surface of the photodiode in the CMOS sensor, the material the photodiode is made of converts this to an electrical charge. The brighter the light, the greater the charge.

3. Amplification

• An amplifier boosts the electrical charge for further processing.

4. Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC)

• The electrical charge (analog signal) is then converted into a digital value. This digital value represents the intensity of light captured by the pixel.

5. Image Processing

• The digital information from all the pixels is combined to create a digital image. Post-processing can further enhance the image quality, such as adjusting colors, sharpness, and brightness.

Summary Table