CMOS Sensor Supplants CCDs In Digital Cameras

Debuting as a low-cost alternative to charge-coupled devices (CCDs) in digital still cameras and camcorders, the VV6600 CMOS, 1,280 x 1,024 pixel sensor is capable of operating at 15 fps in SXGA mode or at 30 fps in VGA mode. The sensor is manufactured using the company's 0.35 µm imaging process and employs a 10-wire interface for integration with any back-end coprocessor or compression device. A unique power management technique allows the sensor to operate from a single USB supply voltage of 4V to 5.5V or from a 3V to 3.6V regulated voltage. A read-out mode allows native pan and tilt and integrated optical black level calibration takes some of the workload off the companion processor. Other features of the VV6600 sensor include on-chip voltage regulators that can be used to power other components in the application and a patented mode that minimizes vertical fixed pattern noise. The CMOS device in a ceramic LCC48 package costs $11 each/100K. STMICROELECTRONICS INC., Lexington, MA. (781) 861-2650.