Page 66 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics

Competing Sensors
Red
Illumination
Camera
processor
from scene Green Camera Image
Blue
Camera

Robot
Color filters controller

Color sensing

COMPETING SENSORS
See SENSOR COMPETITION.

COMPLEMENTARY METAL-OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR (CMOS)
Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor, also called CMOS (pronounced
“seamoss”), is the name for a technology used in digital devices, such as
computers. Two types of field-effect transistor (FET) work together, in
tandem and in huge numbers, on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip.
The main asset of CMOS technology in robotics is the fact that the
devices can function effectively with tiny electrical currents. Thus, well-
engineered CMOS circuits draw very little power from the power supply,
allowing the use of batteries. Another advantage of CMOS technology is
that it works extremely fast. It can process a lot of data in a short period
of time.
A disadvantage of CMOS devices is the fact that they are easily damaged
by static electricity. Devices of this type must be stored with their pins
embedded in conductive foam material, and/or packaged in special plastic
that resists electrostatic-charge buildup. When constructing or servicing
equipment using CMOS, technicians must take precautions to avoid the
presence of static electric charges on their hands, and on instruments

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