At the 2025 Symposium on VLSI Technology and Circuits in Kyoto,Japan,Canon Inc. unveiled a groundbreaking 2/3″ Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor. This sensor packs approximately 2.1 megapixels and achieves a high dynamic range of 156dB. The innovative design promises superior performance, reduced energy usage, and effective mitigation of LED light flickering. The company anticipates moving toward mass production as technology advances.

SPAD sensors operate on the principle of photon counting.Each incoming photon is detected and tallied, producing clear images with precise timing and distance measurement. Traditional SPAD sensors face challenges in high-illuminance environments,struggling to differentiate individual photons,leading to image white-out and high power consumption.

The newly developed SPAD sensor uses “weighted photon counting,” correlating photon frequency with illuminance. By measuring the arrival time of the initial photon within a specific timeframe, the sensor estimates the total number of photons, preventing image white-out. This method allows for clear subject capture, even with a high number of photons.

The new sensor achieves a dynamic range of 156dB, about five times higher than previous models.Power consumption per pixel is reduced by approximately 75% through less frequent photon detections. The technology also minimizes flickering from LED lights, such as traffic signals.

Potential Applications in Autonomous Driving and Beyond

The new sensor achieves a high dynamic range of 156dB, approximately five times higher than the previous sensor.

The sensor is expected to find applications in surveillance, onboard vehicle equipment, and various industrial sectors. Autonomous driving systems and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) stand to benefit significantly. As autonomous driving technology progresses and safety standards become more stringent, the demand for advanced sensor technology is growing. Current CMOS sensors in vehicles struggle with visibility in high-contrast or low-light conditions. The new SPAD sensor addresses these issues, combining new features with the low-light capabilities of conventional SPAD sensors.