Image Sensors Capture VGA And Larger Images With Higher Sensitivity

Targeting highly integrated CMOS camera solutions, Micron Technology's single-chip 1/4-in. CMOS image sensor combines the imaging array and key functions for a camera system that typically required a separate ASIC or multiple dedicated chips to implement.

The MT9V111 provides VGA resolution. Thanks to a programmable image processor within the sensor, it performs auto exposure, white balance, color recovery and correction, sharpening, programmable gamma correction, auto black level offset correction, lens shading, flicker avoidance, and on-the-fly defect identification and correction. A camera based on the chip can correct and adapt to a wide range of conditions and perform well at low light levels.

The chip (see the figure) uses a new technology called digital clarity. With it, a shallower pixel depth reduces crosstalk and keeps the dark current to just 50 electrons/s, improving image sensitivity. The MT9V111 enables image decimation while maintaining smooth, uninterrupted motion for greater flexibility and control when capturing video or single-frame images.

Also offering VGA resolution but without the on-chip image processing logic, the MT9V011 lets customers build a camera based on their own image-processing expertise. The V111 and V011 both deliver progressive-scan images at up to 30 fps. On standby, the V011 consumes just 10 µW. While active, it consumes less than 37 mW (15 frames/s).

The higher-resolution MT9M011 sensor targets high-end mobile phones. It packs 1.3 Mpixels in a 1280-by-1024 organization. Based on the same technology as the VGA devices, it runs at 15 frames/s and includes an electronic rolling shutter. When running at 15 frames/s, it consumes about 85 mW.

In lots of 10,000, the MT9V011, V111, and M011 cost $4.50, $5.50, and $5.00 apiece, respectively.