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Photography CMOS image Sensor

Table of Contents

CMOS Imaging Sensor for Photography #

Overview #

This project focused on the development of a high-frame-rate CMOS imaging sensor capable of up to 8K resolution, targeting the professional photography market. The work involved designing the sensor’s architecture and implementing its high-speed interfaces: SLVS-EC and MIPI. Contributions spanned the entire design cycle, from architecture definition and RTL implementation to verification and backend integration.

Key Features and Achievements #

  • Sensor Architecture:
    • Collaborated on crafting the overall architecture for the 8K CMOS sensor, optimizing for high resolution and frame rate.
  • Interface Design:
    • Designed and implemented the SLVS-EC and MIPI interfaces for high-speed data transfer.
  • Design Implementation:
    • Developed and verified RTL using VHDL for all digital components.
    • Assisted in defining and applying detailed timing constraints to achieve successful timing closure.
    • Supported backend synthesis to ensure the design met performance and area requirements.
  • Verification:
    • Contributed to the verification process, ensuring robust and error-free operation.
    • Wrote various UVM testbenches and reusable blocks
  • Toolchain Utilization:
    • Used the Cadence toolchain (Genus, Xcelium, Innovus, and Tempus) for synthesis, simulation, backend, and timing analysis.

Technical Details #

  • High-Performance Interfaces:
    • Implemented SLVS-EC for efficient, low-power, and scalable data transmission.
    • Integrated MIPI for compatibility with mobile and photography industry standards.
  • RTL Development:
    • Focused on modular and efficient design for the sensor’s digital blocks, targeting low latency and high throughput.
  • Backend and Timing:
    • Ensured synthesis and timing closure through rigorous iterations using Cadence tools.
    • Developed timing constraints to guide placement and routing for optimal performance.
  • Verification Efforts:
    • Supported the development of a comprehensive testbench to validate the sensor’s functionality and performance.

Challenges and Solutions #

  • High-Speed Data Transmission: Overcame challenges in designing high-speed interfaces by optimizing the implementation of SLVS-EC and MIPI standards.
  • Timing Closure: Addressed timing challenges through careful constraint definition and iterative backend runs.
  • System Integration: Balanced architectural design with implementation needs to ensure smooth integration of all components while meeting strict performance targets.

Outcome #

The project successfully delivered a high-frame-rate, 8K CMOS imaging sensor tailored for the professional photography market. With robust high-speed interfaces and efficient architecture, the sensor achieved exceptional performance, meeting stringent industry standards. Contributions across the design cycle, from RTL to backend, ensured a reliable and high-quality outcome.