Thursday, June 14, 2007

Omnivision Announces Its First 1.7um Pixel Product

Yahoo: Omnivision launched the OV3640, the first fully integrated 3MP sensor in a 1/4-inch format, based on its new 1.75um pixel. The sensor fits the standard 8 x 8 mm sockets. It features 2-lane MIPI interface. The new sensor incorporates ISP and onboard JPEG compression.

OV3640 also incorporates advanced image stabilization functionality. It's not clear how it works. The PR says only that the "sensor will automatically sense the slightest camera shake and activate the image stabilization function to help prevent image blur and produce sharper images." To me this sounds like just boosting ISO upon camera shake detection.

The sensor also has integrated AF control for 8.5 x 8.5 mm AF camera modules. Talking about spec, there are two numbers announced: improved dynamic range of up to 65dB and ultra low dark current of 30 e/sec at unspecified temperature. In fact, this is the second time that Omnivision states 1.75um pixel dark current at unknown temperature. This brings a suspicion that it's measured at room temperature. If so, the number is not that good.

Anyway, Omnivision joins a small club of companies owning 1.75um pixel technology. I hope it will close the performance gap with Samsung and Micron in this pixel generation.

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