With Technical Support from SINCERE Optics: Unlocking New Possibilities in High-Performance Imaging
Special Contributor: SINCERE Optics – Optical Imaging System Solutions Expert
In industrial imaging, two goals have always been pursued in parallel: sensor miniaturization and high performance. Sony Semiconductor's latest IMX936 series global shutter CMOS image sensors embody this concept perfectly. Available in monochrome (IMX936 AMJ) and color (IMX936 AQJ) versions, these sensors deliver 12.4MP effective resolution, a compact 1/1.1-inch format, and high-speed 339fps output—making them ideal for space-constrained, high-performance imaging applications.
As a national high-tech enterprise specializing in USB, FPC, and endoscope camera module manufacturing, SINCERE Optics brings over 30 years of industry experience and advanced active alignment technology to integrate the IMX936 series into compact camera solutions. We serve clients across industrial inspection, medical imaging, and smart devices with high-performance, small-form-factor imaging solutions.
Whether you need a 1080p usb camera module for general use or a specialized camera module sony-based system for demanding applications, understanding what the IMX936 offers helps make better technical decisions.
Both IMX936 AMJ and IMX936 AQJ are built on Sony's mature Pregius S back-illuminated stacked structure, achieving high-performance global shutter imaging within the compact 1/1.1-inch format.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor Size | 1/1.1-inch (approx. 16.1mm diagonal) |
| Effective Pixels | 4,128 (H) × 3,000 (V) = approx. 12.38MP |
| Pixel Size | 2.74μm × 2.74μm |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Shutter Type | Global shutter |
| Output Interface | SLVS-EC |
| Package | Ceramic LGA |
| Color Filter | None (monochrome) / Bayer RGB (color) |
| Technology Platform | Pregius S |
The IMX936 series delivers impressive frame rates at full resolution:
| Output Bit Depth | Frame Rate |
|---|---|
| 8-bit | 339 fps |
| 10-bit | 304 fps |
| 12-bit | 163 fps |
At 339fps, the sensor captures 339 images per second at 12.4MP resolution—a data rate of 4.2 billion pixels per second. This speed matches most high-speed industrial inspection requirements.
The fundamental difference between IMX936 AMJ and IMX936 AQJ is the presence of a color filter array, which leads to several important distinctions:
Photosensitivity
The monochrome version, lacking a color filter, allows incident light to reach photodiodes directly, resulting in higher quantum efficiency. In low-light conditions or high-speed capture requiring extremely short exposure times, the monochrome version's sensitivity advantage becomes particularly significant.
Spatial Resolution
Each pixel in the monochrome version independently records brightness information, achieving the theoretical maximum resolution of 12.4MP. The color version requires demosaicing algorithms to reconstruct color, which introduces some detail loss.
Output Format
The monochrome version outputs pure grayscale images, ideal for quantitative analysis and 3D measurement. The color version outputs raw Bayer data, requiring subsequent processing to restore full-color images.
Spectral Response
The monochrome version covers the full spectrum from visible to near-infrared, suitable for multispectral and fluorescence imaging. The color version achieves color separation through the Bayer filter, ensuring accurate color reproduction.
The 1/1.1-inch optical format is one of the IMX936 series' most prominent advantages. Compared to 1.8-inch or larger sensors, this size offers:
Smaller camera volume for easier integration into space-constrained devices
Compatibility with more compact optical systems, reducing overall system cost
Easier design of miniaturized endoscope camera heads
Suitability for multi-camera array applications like volumetric imaging
For SINCERE Optics, this size characteristic enables integration of the IMX936 into smaller USB camera modules, FPC flexible printed circuit modules, and endoscope camera modules—meeting customer demand for miniaturized imaging devices.
A small camera module based on the IMX936 can fit into applications where larger sensors simply cannot go, from wearable devices to compact inspection tools. This makes it an excellent choice for a mini inspection camera designed for tight spaces.
The 339fps frame rate enables the IMX936 to handle most high-speed industrial inspection scenarios:
High-speed electronic component placement inspection
In-line print quality monitoring
High-speed pharmaceutical packaging inspection
Real-time food sorting line inspection
The global shutter design eliminates rolling shutter artifacts, maintaining geometric accuracy of moving objects. For applications requiring a waterproof borescope camera to inspect fast-moving parts inside machinery, this speed is invaluable.
The 2.74μm pixel size is core to Sony's Pregius S technology, validated across multiple generations to achieve optimal balance among sensitivity, dynamic range, and resolution. This pixel size ensures stable, low-noise image quality across various lighting conditions.
The monochrome IMX936 AMJ supports multiple binning modes, including 2×2 pixel binning. These modes provide flexibility when higher sensitivity or faster frame rates are needed, adapting to different application requirements.
The color IMX936 AQJ supports sub-sampling readout of specific color pixels, optimizing for monochromatic illumination in applications like multispectral inspection and fluorescence imaging.
The 1/1.1-inch optical format gives the IMX936 significant advantages in endoscopic applications. Compared to 1.8-inch and larger sensors, the IMX936 integrates more easily into endoscope camera modules:
Rigid endoscopes: Easily placed in the external camera head; the typical 19.9mm × 19.9mm package size is completely acceptable
Some flexible endoscopes: With carefully designed optical systems, integration into the distal tip is possible
Surgical microscopes: Can be mounted inside the microscope body with no size constraints
Industrial borescopes: Size constraints are even more lenient, making integration straightforward
For a waterproof borescope camera used in industrial inspection, the compact sensor allows for smaller probe diameters while maintaining high image quality.
Clinical Significance of Global Shutter
In laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery, respiratory motion and heartbeats cause tissue displacement that can distort images with rolling shutter sensors. The IMX936's global shutter eliminates this problem, providing surgeons with accurate, undistorted surgical images.
Potential of 339fps High Speed
While routine surgical video typically requires only 30-60fps, specialized applications like vocal cord vibration analysis, heart valve motion studies, and high-speed ophthalmic imaging can benefit from the 339fps capture rate, revealing dynamic details conventional endoscopes cannot record.
Monochrome Version for Fluorescence
The monochrome IMX936 AMJ offers high sensitivity in the near-infrared spectrum, making it ideal for Indocyanine Green fluorescence imaging. In ICG-guided hepatobiliary and oncological surgeries, it clearly captures fluorescence signals to help surgeons identify tumor boundaries.
Color Version for Accurate Reproduction
The color IMX936 AQJ suits surgical scenarios requiring accurate tissue color judgment, such as gastrointestinal lesion identification and laparoscopic exploration. The 12.4MP high resolution allows surgeons to maintain a wide field of view while magnifying suspicious areas for closer inspection.
Based on the IMX936 series, SINCERE Optics offers the following endoscope camera module solutions:
Rigid Laparoscope/Thoracoscope Modules
The IMX936 is placed in the external camera head, connected to the distal optics through a high-precision optical system. SINCERE's active alignment process ensures precise matching between sensor and optics, with Class 100 COB cleanrooms providing a contamination-free environment for medical-grade products.
Surgical Microscope Integration Modules
Custom camera modules for neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and other surgical microscopes. Support for MOLEX, KYOCERA, PANASONIC, HRS, JAE, and other interfaces facilitates system integration.
Fluorescence Endoscope Dedicated Modules
Based on the monochrome IMX936 AMJ, optimized for near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Three decades of optical device research and development experience ensure stable imaging performance even in complex medical environments.
Compact Endoscope Front-End Modules
Leveraging the IMX936's small size, these modules enable slimmer endoscope designs for minimally invasive procedures where reduced patient trauma is paramount. A small camera module at the tip makes a significant difference in patient outcomes.
The IMX936 series has broad application prospects in industrial vision:
Electronics manufacturing inspection: PCB component placement inspection, solder joint quality assessment, connector pin inspection
Semiconductor packaging: Chip surface defect detection, wire bond quality inspection
Print inspection: Color consistency monitoring on high-speed printing lines
Pharmaceutical packaging inspection: Pill color verification, label print inspection
Food sorting: High-speed color-based food grading
The monochrome version suits quantitative analysis like 3D measurement and dimensional inspection. The color version suits applications requiring color judgment. A mini inspection camera built around the IMX936 can handle most production line tasks.
For applications requiring a waterproof borescope camera to inspect inside machinery, the IMX936 provides the resolution and speed needed for thorough examination.
Beyond endoscopy, the IMX936 can be used for:
Ophthalmic imaging: Fundus cameras, corneal topographers
Dermatoscopes: High-resolution skin lesion screening
Surgical microscopes: Neurosurgery, ENT, and other delicate procedures
Laboratory microscopy: Pathology slide digitization
High-speed microscopy: Capturing rapid biological processes like cell motion, microfluidic flow
Materials science: Recording material deformation during high-speed tensile testing
Fluid dynamics: Particle image velocimetry
High-speed traffic cameras: Vehicle feature recognition
Traffic flow monitoring: Multi-lane real-time surveillance
Smart surveillance: Tracking and identifying high-speed moving targets
Robot vision guidance: High-speed positioning and grasping
In-line measurement: Dimensional inspection of moving parts
Barcode/QR code reading: High-speed logistics sorting
A 1080p usb camera module might suffice for basic machine vision, but for applications demanding higher resolution and speed, the IMX936 is the better choice.
