Breakthrough in Global Shutter: STMicroelectronics CMOS Sensors Achieve Full-Scene Coverage for Industrial and Retail

November 7, 2025–STMicroelectronics, a leading global semiconductor supplier, recently announced the launch of four 5-megapixel CMOS image sensors, models VD1943, VB1943, VD5943, and VB5943. These new products belong to the ST BrightSense™ portfolio and are specifically designed for application scenarios such as industrial automation, smart security, and new retail. Leveraging their advanced global shutter technology and excellent low-light performance, they provide superior imaging solutions for machine vision, biometric identification, automated inventory management, and other systems.

Alexandre Balmefrezol, Executive Vice President of STMicroelectronics and General Manager of the Imaging Sub-Group, stated: "Our new image sensors feature both global and rolling shutter modes, helping customers optimize image capture performance. They enable video capture without motion artifacts, lower imaging noise, and stronger detail representation, making them an ideal choice for high-speed automated process image capture and object tracking. This architecture is unique in today's market, bringing unparalleled flexibility, performance, and integration to image sensors. We are continuously expanding our imaging solution portfolio into various industrial application fields, committed to leveraging our optical sensing technology for both existing and emerging applications."

Dr. Florian Domengie, Principal Imaging Analyst at Yole Group, commented: "Industrial and security imaging technologies are pushing sensor performance to new heights, enabling various functions such as object recognition, robot navigation, measurement, and advanced monitoring inspection. By 2030, the industrial and security image sensor market is expected to reach $3.9 billion, with shipments exceeding 500 million units. Major technological advancements include stronger low-light imaging performance, on-chip intelligence, global/rolling dual shutter modes, and the integration of low-noise and high-precision time-of-flight sensing."

Technical Notes

The VD1943, VD5943, VB1943, and VB5943 sensors are part of the ST BrightSense portfolio. They are now ready for evaluation testing and sampling, with mass production planned to begin in February 2026. Detailed documentation, evaluation kits, and product samples are available through local ST sales representatives or authorized distributors.

Global/Rolling Dual Shutter Mode

These sensors incorporate both global and rolling shutter modes, allowing developers to optimize video capture performance based on specific application needs. This feature ensures video capture without motion artifacts (global shutter), low noise imaging, and high image detail representation (rolling shutter), making them ideal for high-speed object tracking and automated process image capture.

Compact Design and Advanced Pixel Technology

The sensors utilize 2.25 µm pixel technology and advanced 3D stacked packaging, resulting in a small size and high image quality. The die size is 5.76 mm x 4.46 mm, and the package size is 10.3 mm x 8.9 mm, with a pixel array area ratio of 73%, ranking among the best in the market. This compact design enables integration into space-constrained embedded vision systems without compromising performance.

On-Chip RGB-IR Separation

The RGB-IR version sensors in this series feature on-chip RGB-IR separation, which separates RGB and IR images without requiring external components, thus simplifying system design. This function supports multiple output modes, including 5MP RGB-NIR 4x4, 5MP RGB Bayer, 1.27MP NIR sub-sampled, and 5MP NIR smart upscaled, with independent exposure times and instant output mode switching. This level of integration reduces application costs while maintaining full 5MP resolution for both color and infrared imaging.

Enhanced Imaging Performance

The sensors employ Backside Illumination (BSI) and Capacitive Deep Trench Isolation (CDTI) pixel technologies, which enhance the sensor's photosensitivity and image sharpness, especially under low-light conditions. Single-frame on-chip HDR improves the clarity of details in both bright and dark areas of the image. These characteristics enable high-quality imaging in challenging environments and support advanced machine vision and edge AI applications.