An integrated X-ray detector chip from Ams Semiconductor

     Ams has announced that with its new integrated X-ray detector chip, the AS5950, ams will further reduce the cost of computed tomography (CT) equipment. Leveraging AMS 'expertise in sensor design and packaging, the AS5950 integrated X-ray detector chip improves the performance of CT detectors with more detailed images and lower system costs.

     The AS5950 is a CMOS device that integrates a high-sensitivity photodiode array and a 64-channel analog-to-digital converter on the same chip. The AS5950 single chip is easier to install into the CT detector module. Currently, CT scanner manufacturers need to mount a discrete photodiode array on a complex PCB and connect it to a discrete reading chip via a long line. Replacing the complex PCB components in 8-layer and 16-layer CT scanners with a single AS5950 chip significantly reduces image noise and, more importantly, material and production costs for manufacturers.

     Jose Vinau, Director of Marketing, Medical and Professional Sensors Business Line, AMS said: "AMS hopes to further reduce the cost of CT scanners and make them widely available worldwide. The introduction of the AS5950 and its modules will simplify the assembly and production of X-ray detectors."

     By using the welding method used to produce CT modules, the sensor can be mounted directly on the substrate. The CT module reference design (AS5950M), developed by AMS and its partners, simplifies integration into a complete CT detector. The two-sided splinterable module can be mounted on a substrate with 2 x 2 AS5950s to create a 32 x 16 mm² sensing area, or 2 x 4 AS5950s to create a 32 x 32 mm² sensing area.