Complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor sensors, or CMOS image sensors, are one of several devises that turn an actual light image into a virtual electronic image for video imaging and recording purposes. A similar device is the charge-coupled device, or CCD sensor; often part of cameras, it runs on a higher voltage than its CMOS counterpart. Also, CMOS image sensors tend to be simpler than CCD image sensors.

A CMOS linear image sensor contains photo elements that pick up light and then, through a series of components, those signals translate to the amplified pixels on a monitor or other readout device. There are two main types of CMOS sensors, one of which has two output types:

1. An analog CMOS sensor feeds its signal in various formats, like NTSC or PAL, to common video equipment.

2. A 4/8 bus output digital CMOS sensor puts out a signal that does not need transference before video devices read it.

3. A CMOS electronic digital imaging sensor is also available with a 16 bus output, also a direct signal.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy industrial CMOS sensors

CMOS sensors play a strong role in industries. They are important components of rugged industrial cameras and imagining devices that perform tasks from reading bar codes to inspecting machinery.

I recommend: Among Hamamatsu's products is a self-scanning CMOS sensor for multi-channel spectrophotometry and other industrial processes. Their products are available with a number of different specifications. The other big CMOS sensor manufacturer is Micron, which carries one of the larger selections of CMOS sensors.

Shop sensor CMOS sources that carry both CMOS and CCD technologies

Some CMOS image sensor companies do not put much emphasis on difference between CMOS and CCD image sensors, but that's for you to decide. Broaden your horizons by checking out companies that carry both.

I recommend: DALSA is one of those CMOS sensor developers which carries a wide selection, including both CMOS and CCD sensors. Fairchild Imaging is a great place to look for either CMOS or CCD sensor equipment. They have a wide selection of both.

Find security cameras and other commercial and domestic CMOS products

CMOS image sensors don't just have industrial uses. Take a look at CMOS sensor companies that have CMOS equipment fit for commercial use, especially high-quality security cameras, as well as high-quality personal cameras and camcorders that are a joy to use.

I recommend: BrickHouseSecurity.com sells an uncommon security camera that sees in the dark. They suggest it for monitoring your business or even your children. Chinavasion Wholesale Electronics carries a nice selection of CMOS cameras and recorders. Check them out to see the kinds of things that are possible.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Besides running on less power and having a simpler design, CMOS sensors are typically faster than CCD sensors. The drawback has always been the noise factor, but CMOS image sensor development is headed toward reducing noise and increasing sensitivity.