Date: 19/02/2010

New image sensor from Samsung for smart-phones can scan barcode and business cards

The S5K4E2 and S5K5CA are the two new CMOS image sensors released by Samsung Electronics targeting smartphones and mobile phones.

Using Samsung's pixel technology SEES (Samsung Enhanced Energy Steering), the S5K4E2 imager is an ultra-sensitive 1/4-inch, 1.4 micron, 5Mpixel chip with an integrated extended depth of field (EDoF) IP for crisp, sharp images. The EDoF enables in-focus range from 15cm to infinity with optimum image quality. The new functionality supports the barcode and business card scanning features available in mobile operating systems. The S5K4E2 imager is suitable for ultra slim smart phones and other imaging applications, and also supports 1.2V digital power supply voltage for low power consumption and has a four-channel anti-shading correction feature for image enhancement processing.

Samsung says that its new 5Mpixel imager can capture clear video images at up to 15 frames per second at full resolution. The SEES pixel, integrates more light into an optimized pixel structure to present clear, high resolution images. Advanced noise removal logic is also used to further improve image performance.

The S5K5CA image sensors is a 1/5-inch, 1.4 micron, 3Mpixel imager that combines both the image signal processor (ISP) with the CMOS image sensor into a single system-on-chip (SoC) solution to reduce the overall module size by 25 percent over its preceding 3Mpixel SOC imager, the quarter-inch 1.75-micron 3Mpixel solution. This SoC is suitable for 6.5mm x 6.5mm fixed focus camera modules, the current small form factor requirement for slim mobile handsets.

The S5K5CA's embedded ISP performs high image processing functions with high image quality on par with 1/4-inch, 3Mpixel 1.75 micron imager and 720 progressive high definition (HD) video capabilities. The S5K5CA also offers a 10 percent improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for better color precision against the previous 3Mpixel imaging solution.

By including a new JPEG rotation feature that reduces frame buffer memory needed to rotate images, users can save JPEG runtime up to two seconds.

"Consumers want a more feature rich experience when using their mobile handsets," said Dr. Dojun Rhee, vice president, System LSI marketing, Samsung Electronics. "To meet the diverse needs of the mobile phone market, we've expanded our product line-up to include imagers that support HD video capabilities while fitting into an ever decreasing module space."

Availability:
S5K4E2: Now in samples, in mass production by the end of the first quarter 2010 S5K5CA: Is in volume production for handset manufacturers today with products on the market expected later in 2010.

For more details visit www.samsung.com