CMOS Image Sensor Resides In Tiny Package

Claimed as one of the industry's smallest, the TCM8230MD CMOS image-sensor module measures just 6 mm x 6 mm x 4.5 mm without a socket. Compared to the company's previous offerings, individual pixels have been reduced from 5.4 µm to 3.75 µm. This miniaturization is said to allow approximately 330,000 signal pixels to be arranged in a 492 x 660 array on a single chip with a 0.166" optical format. Other features include VGA resolution, progressive scanning, primary color filtering in a Bayer arrangement, operation from a 2.5V to 2.8V supply, and a frame rate of 30 fps. Power consumption is 40 mW at 30 fps. Pricing is $20 each/10,000, with production volume planned for May. TOSHIBA AMERICA ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS INC., San Jose, CA. (408) 526-2400.