A CCD chip for EFP and colour TV camera applications

Sony´s development of its CCD cameras has been specifically targeted at ENG applications with many units now in use in the broadcasting and production environments. Although the current CCD model is purely intended for ENG application it is possible that both its smear performance and resolution can be further improved. Recent developments have produced two new CCD device structures which provide significant improvements in the latter two areas. The first device is a frame interline transfer CCD (FIT-CCD) which drastically reduces the smear level evident with current technology. Secondly increased pixel resolution is achievable with a new interline transfer CCD (IT-CCD). Both types of CCD have a true electronic shutter capability and these features enhance the application possibilities. The new technology and the improvements afforded are described