Micron new CMOS sensor in Given diagnostic device

Micron Technology Inc. announced that its new CMOS sensor is embedded in Given Imaging's PillCam ESO, which is a swallowable diagnostic device that takes high-quality, high-speed photos as it passes through a patient's esophagus.

Micron's CMOS sensor features a higher frame-rate than the original PillCam SB design. With one sensor at either end, and a frame rate 7x that of the SB version, the new PillCam ESO (for ESOphagus) transmits 14 pictures-per-second to a receiver worn by the patient. According to the press release, the added capabilities dramatically increase the system performance and will enable medical professionals to diagnose throat disease and related ailments in the esophageal passage.

Micron is the exclusive provider of the CMOS image sensors inside both of the PillCam SB and PillCam ESO designs. Working closely on performance specifications, engineers of the two companies were able to increase the imager frame-rate, maintain low-power operations and develop a proprietary ALC (Automatic Lighting Control).

Micron and Given engineers first started working together to develop the imaging technology inside Given's PillCam more than five years ago.