Tiny Image Sensor Enables HD Video

Embarking as the first 1/6-inch, native 1080p/30 high-definition (HD) CMOS image sensor designed for notebook, netbook, webcam, and video conferencing applications, the OV2720 exploits the company’s 1.4-micron OmniBSITM backside illumination technology. Allegedly, the 1.4-micron OmniBSI pixel achieves a best-in-class low light sensitivity of 680-mV/lux-sec while enabling extremely thin modules with a z-height of 3.5 mm. According to the company, the device can use binning to further increase its low-light performance to double that of similar-sized VGA sensors. Other features include support for multiple platform architectures and controllers via parallel and MIPI interfaces plus programmable exposure control, white balance, and defective pixel canceling. OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES INC., Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 542-3000.