Product category: Optoelectronic Sensors, Switches and Receivers
News Release from: OmniVision | Subject: OV3640
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 15 June 2007
Sensor slots in to upgrade handset
imaging
Fully integrated 3Mpixel CameraChip sensor in a quarter-inch format drops in to upgrade existing 2Mpixel handset designs.
OmniVision Technologies has launched the OV3640, the first fully integrated 3Mpixel CameraChip sensor in a quarter-inch format Based on the new 1.75um OmniPixel3 architecture, the OV3640 is small enough to fit the standard 8 x 8mm sockets used in 2Mpixel camera phones, making it an ideal drop-in upgrade for existing handset designs
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 2 Jul 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Image sensors answer the need for speed
OmniVision has added a novel hardware feature to its new 3Mpixel OV3640 CameraChip enabling cameras to take optimal advantage of Scalado's SpeedView technology.
Image sensor aims for high-volume handsets
OmniVision Technologies has released its first CameraChip based on the Standard Mobile Imaging Architecture introduced by Nokia and STMicroelectronics in January 2004.
The highly integrated OV3640 features a high-speed two-lane mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) to enable the fast transfer of large blocks of data, which is critical to making effective use of increased camera resolutions.
In addition, the new sensor incorporates advanced image signal processing and onboard JPEG compression to allow existing baseband processors without MIPI to support a camera upgrade to 3Mpixel at 15 frames per second in full resolution.
In addition to MIPI, the OV3640 also incorporates advanced image stabilisation functionality similar to that used in digital still camera (DSC) and camcorder products.
Further reading
CMOS image sensor breaks into camera market
According to OmniVision Technologies, the OV5610 5Mpixel camera chip has already achieved eight design wins in digital still camera and video camera markets.
Smart optical sensor is child's play
This week OmniVision Technologies has been offering the toy industry a glimpse into the future of smart toys at the American International Toy Fair in New York.
CMOS sensors aim for automotive market
The OV7940 is a new high-performance, highly integrated analogue CMOS image sensor based on OmniVision's proprietary OmniPixel technology.
In low light situations, cameras need a longer exposure time, which in turn, requires the photographer to keep a steady hand.
Camera phones with an OV3640 sensor will automatically sense the slightest camera shake and activate the image stabilisation function to help prevent image blur and produce sharper images.
The new features and improvements incorporated in the OV3640 are focused specifically on improving image quality and camera performance, both critical drivers for market acceptance of higher resolution cameras in the handset market.
These new features and improvements include a new readout circuit for significantly reduced noise; improved high resolution image signal processing for better overall camera performance and image quality; a black level follower for stronger image contrast; easy black level calibration to eliminate the need for gain adjust; integrated auto-focus control for 8.5 x 8.5mm auto focus camera modules and improved scaling to facilitate smooth zoom function.
"OmniVision has always had a commitment to bringing the consumer advanced features that make camera phones more user friendly and deliver performance and picture quality comparable to DSCs", says James He, Chief Operating Officer at OmniVision.
"By integrating advanced features into the sensor, including a high-speed interface, while delivering it in the compact quarter-inch footprint, the OV3640 provides handset manufacturers with a very attractive solution for next generation thin handset designs".
The OV3640 is the first product launched by OmniVision based on the recently announced OmniPixel3 architecture, which at 1.75um is among the smallest currently commercially available.
OmniPixel3 is designed to focus light onto the sensor more effectively, allowing the pixels to capture significantly more light and thus make more effective use of the smaller pixel's active area.
The resulting improved fill factor and increased sensitivity deliver more vibrant and true-to-life colour reproduction.
OmniPixel3's optimised pixel symmetry avoids colour distortion and offers improved dynamic range of up to 65dB.
New process technology optimisations help OmniPixel3 achieve ultralow dark current (30e/s) and low defect density, making this technology ideal for use in low light and variable light conditions.
Further innovations include a new transfer gate design process and contact technologies that achieve lag-free operation throughout the signal range Eliminating read-out lag ensures that no ghost images or unwanted noise are present in the imaging process.
The OV3640 is currently available for customer sampling.
Volume production is expected by Q4 of 2007.
• OmniVision: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
