04 November 2009
CMOS image sensors currently in orbit
Three of Cypress Semiconductor's cmos image sensors are being used on the European Space Agency's (ESA) Project for on board autonomy (Proba) 2 satellite launched on November 2.
Cypress' HAS2 image sensor, designed for high accuracy star tracking, is implemented on a new Star Tracker developed by SELEX Galileo of Italy. The HAS2 image sensor is also being used in an extreme ultraviolet telescope scientific experiment for solar corona observation.
Cypress's radiation tolerant STAR-250 image sensor is used on a new digital sun sensor developed by TNO of the Netherlands. The device has an array of 1024 x 1024 active pixels (18µm) and is said to support on chip nondestructive readout and multiple windowing. The image sensor was originally developed for an optical inter satellite link and currently it is mainly used for sun sensor applications.
The Proba satellites are part of ESA's missions to demonstrate innovative technologies in orbit, particularly when users require evidence of flight heritage or when there is a high risk associated with use of the new technology.
In orbit demonstration is achieved through experiments on carriers such as the International Space Station, or through dedicated small satellites such as the Proba series, which was created to increase availability of flight testing opportunities.
Georges Hiltrop, general manager of Cypress's Image Sensor Business Unit, said: "We are excited to see our new HAS2 image sensors in space on the Proba-2 satellite. The HAS2 demonstrates Cypress's ability to develop leading-performance cmos image sensors that meet the requirements of our customers' most challenging applications."
Author
Chris Shaw
Supporting Information
Websites
www.cypress.com/go/ImageSensors
Companies
Cypress Semiconductor
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