HAD CCD
HAD CCD is a family of charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensors developed and marketed by Sony. The name refers to a sensor structure based on a hole-accumulation diode (HAD).
Sony used HAD structures in CCD sensors designed for high sensitivity and low-noise imaging. HAD CCD sensors were used in digital still cameras, video cameras, broadcast equipment, industrial cameras, security cameras and scientific imaging equipment.
HAD CCD is different from Sony's later Exmor CMOS sensor technology. It is also different from BIONZ, which is an image-processing system rather than an image sensor.
Technology
[edit]A CCD image sensor converts incoming light into electrical charge in an array of photosensitive pixels. The accumulated charge is transferred through the sensor and read out at its edge.
A CMOS sensor generally uses amplification and readout circuitry at, or near, each pixel. CCD and CMOS sensors therefore use different methods to collect and read image data.
Sony describes CCD and CMOS as different image-sensor architectures. CMOS sensors can offer advantages in speed, power consumption and system integration, while CCD sensors have historically been used in applications requiring image uniformity and low-noise performance.[1]
The hole-accumulation-diode structure is intended to improve the photodiode structure used in a CCD. Sony product documents associate HAD-based sensors with characteristics including high sensitivity, low dark current and reduced smear.
The performance of a particular HAD CCD sensor depends on its model, pixel size, colour-filter arrangement, readout method, exposure tim,e and camera electronics. Therefore, the characteristics of one HAD CCD model should not automatically be applied to every sensor carrying the HAD name.
Sony branding
[edit]Sony used several related names for HAD-based CCD products:
- HAD CCD was the general designation for Sony CCD sensors using a hole-accumulation-diode structure.
- Super HAD CCD referred to later designs that improved the efficiency of light collection. These improvements included changes to the on-chip microlens structure.
- EXview HAD CCD referred to sensors designed for high sensitivity. Sony promoted EXview HAD sensors for applications requiring improved low-light performance and sensitivity in parts of the near-infrared region.
- EXview HAD CCD II was a later generation of the EXview HAD product family. The specifications varied between individual sensor models.
The terms HAD, Super HAD and EXview HAD describe Sony technologies and product families. They do not identify a single sensor size, pixel count, colou-filter layout ,or performance level.
Applications
[edit]HAD CCD sensors were used in:
- digital still cameras;
- digital video cameras;
- broadcast cameras;
- machine-vision and industrial cameras;
- security and surveillance cameras;
- microscope and scientific cameras; and
- astronomical and other low-light imaging equipment.
The Sony ICX285AL is a progressive-scan monochrome CCD using EXview HAD technology. Its datasheet describes the sensor as an 11 mm diagonal device designed for applications including industrial and scientific imaging.[2]
Sony also produced EXview HAD CCD II sensors for industrial and security-camera applications. The specifications differed between models, including pixel dimensions, sensitivity, output method, saturation signal and colou-filter arrangement.[3]
Selected sensors
[edit]The following table lists selected Sony HAD CCD sensors. It is not a complete list of all HAD CCD products.
| Model | Technology or family | Typical application | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICX285AL | EXview HAD CCD | Industrial, scientific and monochrome imaging | Progressive-scan monochrome CCD with an 11 mm diagonal |
| ICX285AQ | EXview HAD CCD | Industrial, scientific and colour imaging | Colour version in the ICX285 family |
| ICX828 | EXview HAD CCD II | Security and industrial cameras | 1/2-inch-class interline CCD |
| ICX829 | EXview HAD CCD II | Security and industrial cameras | Related 1/2-inch-class sensor with a different effective pixel arrangement from the ICX828 |
| ICX825 | EXview HAD CCD II | Industrial, scientific and security cameras | Approximately 1.45-megapixel, 2/3-inch-class progressive-scan CCD |
Specifications such as sensitivity, saturation signal, smear, frame rate and pixel dimensions should be compared only when the relevant datasheets use the same measurement conditions. Different datasheets may use different f-numbers, exposure times, wavelengths, gain settings and accumulation periods.
Transition to CMOS
[edit]CCD technology was eventually replaced by CMOS sensors in many applications. CMOS sensors can offer advantages in speed, power consumption and system integration, while improvements in CMOS manufacturing allowed them to compete with CCD sensors in image quality.
Sony shifted a substantial part of its image-sensor development toward CMOS during the 2000s.[1]
In 2015, industry reports discussed the discontinuation of some Sony CCD image sensors and the continued support of certain existing industrial cameras. Production dates, sensor availability and camera-support dates referred to different products and stages of the supply chain. They should not be treated as one universal discontinuation date for every Sony CCD sensor.[4]
HAD CCD is now generally regarded as a legacy Sony sensor technology. Existing cameras and replacement sensors may still be available through specialist suppliers, but availability depends on the particular model and remaining stock.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 "Common Technology of Image Sensors". Sony Semiconductor Solutions. Sony Semiconductor Solutions. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- ↑ "ICX285AL: Diagonal 11 mm Progressive Scan CCD Image Sensor with Square Pixel for B/W Cameras". AllDataSheet. Sony Corporation. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- ↑ "CCD Sensor Data Sheets". MallinCam. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- ↑ Carroll, James (1 May 2015). "Sony finally comments on CCD image sensor discontinuation news". Vision Systems Design. Retrieved 23 September 2026.