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When it comes to quality printing technology, contact image sensors (CIS) can’t be beat.

But what exactly is a CIS?

Sure, everyone often hears about the variety of printers available but most can never figure out how exactly each is different. With so many different types available, understand how each works is crucial, especially before purchasing a new printer.

CIS, surprisingly, is a fairly new and innovative type of technology when it pertains to the more prevalent optical flatbed scanners. Contact image sensors are a main component of everything from scanners to bar code readers and more. They literally can be found in anything that has some sort of scanning capability.

The way a CIS works is surprisingly simple. As its title suggests, the printer’s image sensor is placed in close proximity with the object being scanned, compared other printers which utilize mirrors in order to reflect light off an immobile sensor. A CIS lens is literally able to sense light which become prevalent on its silicon surface which has been divided into multiple cells. Its optical system utilizes is able to direct light from a document surface to the appropriate silicon area.

CIS’s are flanked by a variety of colors for LED illumination. They also consist of a wide variety of special detectors. The greatest aspect of utilizing a CIS is with the use of LEDs, these printers are surprisingly very power efficient. The amount of energy they require to work is minimal compared to most other printers.

Perhaps one flaw of a CIS compared to other types of printers is they actually create a much lower quality picture when compared to other similar devices.

CIS printers are surprisingly easily transportable as well. This means it won’t be a chore for those looking to move their office around, or change up their computer desk in their home.

For more information about contact image sensors, check out this great Wikipedia article on contact image sensors.