Huawei ventures into self-developed CMOS image sensors

Amidst sanctions and a strained relationship with Sony, Huawei is embarking on the development of its CMOS image sensor, encompassing innovations from wafer to chip, including alterations in thinning stop layers for compatibility with back-illuminated (BSI) technology.

Huawei ventures into self-developed CMOS image sensors

When sanctions disrupted their supply chain, Sony, the original image sensor supplier for Huawei, ceased shipments, causing substantial impacts on both companies. Sony sought permission to resume supplies, but the damage to their relationship with Huawei had already been done. Sony experienced a significant drop in annual revenue due to the suspension of CMOS sales to Huawei.

It's worth noting that Huawei's pursuit is not unique, as various Chinese manufacturers are also exploring the development of their CMOS sensors. For instance, at CES 2022, OMNIVISION, another Chinese brand, unveiled a remarkable 200-megapixel CMOS sensor, known as OVB0B, with impressive specs such as a 16384×12288-pixel resolution, the world's smallest pixel size at 0.61μm, and a large 1/1.28-inch sensor size. It can output 12.5 million pixels through 16:1 binning, equivalent to 2.44μm.

The recently launched Huawei Mate60 series may be among the last to incorporate Sony sensors, as there is anticipation that the upcoming P70 series or Mate70 series could introduce Huawei's newly developed CMOS image sensor.

Huawei's foray into self-developed CMOS technology, coupled with innovations like the Kirin 9000S, signifies a significant advancement for the company and holds promise for its future product offerings. 

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