Toshiba recently announced the new TCD2400DG high-speed linear RGB CCD image sensor. The CCD comes in a 4,096-pixel-wide x three (RGB) arrays, yielding a 28.672-mm image capture area. Toshiba designed the sensor to meet the needs of high-speed scan cameras used in quality control, food sorting, and high-precision inspection.
The new Toshiba TCD2400DG CCD sensor.
The TCD2400DG (datasheet linked) tops out the speed capability in its product family at a 22.7-kHz line rate. This is accomplished at a maximum data rate of 100 MHz (50-MHz master clock frequency × two channels). That is more than twice the line rate of the TCD2564DG, Toshiba’s prior 4,096-pixel performance leader. The new CCD achieves its performance through highly sensitive PN-junction photodiodes with a 7-µm by 7-µm sensing area, enabling fine spatial resolution.
Faster, Clearer Image Capture
The three-color (RGB) pixel lines are electrically and optically independent, enabling direct acquisition of color images. Similar competitive sensors often use a matrix arrangement with Bayer filter elements, which requires intermediate interpolation processing. The independent-array arrangement eliminates that step, thereby increasing acquisition speed.
Line rate and pixel count comparison in the Toshiba TCF color linear sensor line.
Linear CCD image sensors are typically used in automated optical inspection systems. The TCD2400DG is suited for high-speed applications that require full color and high resolution. Such use cases include food quality inspection (where color is an important indicator), printed materials, fabrics and plastics, post-manufacturing electronics inspection, and industrial sorting.
Features Meeting the Demands of Optical Inspection
This CCD image sensor is a lens-reduction sensor with an on-chip CCD timing generator and driver circuit. Moving these functions off the PC board and onto the chip simplifies circuit design and reduces the manufacturing bill of materials (BOM) line-item count. The timing circuitry, when off-chip and on-PCB, is often a source of electromagnetic interference. Moving it on-chip reduces EMI and simplifies certification.
Internal circuit diagram. (Datasheet, page 3)
The device supports a maximum line rate of 22.7 kHz and operates with 3.3 V and 10 V supply voltages.
Sensor spectral response curve. (Datasheet, page 12)
It is housed in a 32-pin CERDIP package measuring 53.6 mm × 9.65 mm. In terms of spectral response, the sensor offers red sensitivity of 14.7 V/lux-second, green sensitivity of 16.6 V/lux-second, and blue sensitivity of 6.9 V/lux-second.
The TCD2400DC is available for purchase now through Toshiba’s official distribution network.
All images used courtesy of Toshiba.
