EMVA 1288 Testing Services

What does EMVA 1288 measure?

EMVA 1288 defines a physics-based model that links incident photons to digital output, allowing a precise, manufacturer-neutral characterization of how a sensor actually performs. Unlike datasheets assembled from internal bench measurements, an EMVA 1288 report is structured around a controlled methodology with mandatory outputs that can be read the same way across vendors and generations.

The DXOMARK lab measures the full set of parameters covered by the standard, including quantum efficiency (QE) across relevant wavelength ranges, temporal dark noise, system gain, absolute sensitivity threshold, saturation capacity, dynamic range, maximum signal-to-noise ratio, dark current, dark signal non-uniformity (DSNU), photo response non-uniformity (PRNU), linearity error, and defect pixel characterization. Photon transfer curves and SNR curves are produced as part of the compliant output package, giving your team the graphical diagnostics needed to evaluate sensor behavior across its full operating range.

For sensors or cameras that exhibit non-linear response or apply pre-processing in the signal chain, DXOMARK supports testing under both the Release 4.0 Linear and Release 4.0 General models, allowing characterization even where a simple linear camera assumption would otherwise break down.

Why use a third-party lab?

Self-certification is permitted under the EMVA 1288 framework, but independent testing eliminates the credibility gap that comes with supplier-reported data. When camera module suppliers present datasheet values to smartphone OEMs, automotive Tier 1s, or industrial integrators, third-party measurement removes the ambiguity around test conditions, equipment calibration, and analysis methodology. It also removes the burden on your R&D team to maintain a controlled, standard-compliant measurement setup in-house.

DXOMARK has built deep expertise in controlled illumination, precise light calibration, and sensor-level measurement across multiple imaging verticals. The same lab infrastructure and protocol discipline that underpins DXOMARK’s benchmark work translates directly into reproducible, audit-ready EMVA 1288 characterization.

What do you receive?

The deliverable is a complete, EMVA 1288-compliant report package. This includes the standardized summary datasheet with all mandatory measurements at the declared operating point, photon transfer and SNR diagrams, spatial non-uniformity maps, defect pixel analysis, and the operating point description needed to make the measurements repeatable by any third party. Reports are produced at the sensor level, without lens contribution, so the data reflects intrinsic sensor performance rather than system-level artifacts.

Where projects require it, DXOMARK can extend measurement coverage to optional parameters including spectral quantum efficiency across the visible or near-infrared range, temperature-dependent dark current characterization, and multi-operating-point analysis for sensors designed to run across a range of gain or exposure settings.

Who is this service for?

• Camera module suppliers who need to accompany product launches or procurement submissions with credible, standard-compliant sensor data,
• Semiconductor and sensor manufacturers validating a new pixel design or process node before tape-out or production ramp,
• Industrial camera OEMs seeking to publish EMVA 1288 datasheets on new models without building and maintaining the measurement setup internally,
• Automotive camera developers who require sensor-level characterization data that feeds into ADAS qualification workflows,
• Imaging research teams at universities and institutes who need reproducible baseline measurements for published work or component selection,…

Lab infrastructure

DXOMARK operates controlled illumination setups calibrated for the spatial uniformity requirements of the EMVA 1288 standard. Integrating sphere-based uniform light sources are used to meet the illumination homogeneity threshold required for valid PRNU and DSNU measurements. Camera interface support covers standard interfaces used across industrial and embedded imaging, and sensor-under-test configurations can be adapted to accommodate bare sensors, camera modules, and board-level camera assemblies depending on project requirements.