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‘OWLY-EYED’: Next gen low noise imaging technology developed by Leti for French SME PYXALIS


GRENOBLE and MOIRANS, France – Nov. 3, 2016 – Leti, an institute of CEA Tech, and PYXALIS,
a French SME specializing in high-performance image sensors, today announced a new
technology that lowers readout noise for image sensors down to 0.5 electron noise and dramatically
improves low-light image sensing capabilities.
Published on 3 November 2016

The new technology, called Owly-eyed, is based on a patented electrical architecture of the pixel
readout that can be integrated in image sensors. Designed to meet growing demand for more
sensitive CMOS image sensors, it has been adapted for PYXALIS, which will offer it in its nextgeneration
image sensors.

“In this common lab with PYXALIS, we’ve developed a low-noise image technology that provides
state-of-the-art advanced imaging for next-generation applications in a wide range of markets and
industries,” said Marie Semeria, Leti’s CEO. “This CMOS-based device, which can be adapted for
multiple uses, is another strong example of how Leti’s broad technology innovations make our
partners more competitive in their industries.”

“Leti’s Owly-eyed technology is a major improvement in low-noise imaging,” said PYXALIS CEO
Philippe Rommeveaux. “Combined with our capacity to offer advanced sensors with high digital
integration and high dynamic range, it will allow us to establish a new performance standard in
image sensors that address the growing demand for low-light applications in the surveillance,
biomedical, science, defense and aerospace markets.”

In the Owly-eyed technology demonstrator, a sub-0.5 e−rms temporal read noise has been
achieved on a VGA format CMOS image sensor implemented in a standard CMOS process. The
low-noise performance is achieved exclusively through circuit optimization without any process
refinements.

Leti also is developing many other technologies for innovative sensors and image processing that
perform in low-power and low-latency operating modes.

Leti will demonstrate the Owly-eyed technology and a set of advanced smart-imageprocessing
solutions at Vision 2016, Nov. 8-10 in Stuttgart, Germany, in Hall 1, booth H01.
The PYXALIS team will be available in Hall 1, booth D41.

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