Image Sensor Innovations For Camera Phones

Permalink: Image Sensor Innovations For Camera Phones by Jan Harris

Micron Technology Inc, a leading provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, introduced its new range of image sensors at the 2007 3GSM World Congress.

The sensors, which provide a powerful imaging platform for next-generation camera phones, were developed using a tiny 1.75-micron pixel design. They come in 5, 3 and 1.3-megapixel resolution.

Advancements in imaging technology are helping to drive the increasing demand to share photographs and video via handsets. Micron specialises in providing CMOS imaging technology which enables consumers to capture both high-quality images and high-definition video from a camera phone.

The company’s image sensors are integrated into one-in-three camera phones currently in use.

The new sensors are in addition to Micron’s previously announced 8-megapixel image sensor, also developed on the 1.75-micron pixel.

The company’s new CMOS image sensors include:

Product number MT9P012 - a 5-megapixel sensor which fits into a 1/3.2-inch optical format and captures video at 60 frames per second (fps) at 720p and 30 fps at 1080p for high-definition video capture.

Product number MT9T013 - a 3-megapixel sensor for a standard camera phone 1/4-inch optical format, which captures VGA video at 30 fps.

Product number MT9M113 - a completely integrated 1.3-megapixel camera system on chip which fits into an ultra-tiny 1/11-inch optical format. This sensor also captures VGA video at 30 fps.

The 5 and 3 megapixel sensors should be available for sampling in the second quarter 2007 and the 1.3-megapixel sensor in late first quarter 2007. Mass production is expected in summer 2007.