Date: 25/09/2009

5 Megapixel CMOS image sensor for camera phones

Mobile phones can now be designed with capability to take 5 Megapixel pictures like a digital still camera. Samsung has made available a new quarter-inch optical format, 5-megapixel (Mp) system-on-chip (SoC) image sensor, the S5K4EA. The S5K4EA SoC imager packs CMOS image sensor with an image signal processor. This image sensor uses 1.4-micron (um) pixel technology.

The key features of this image sensor are,

Features adaptive dynamic range expansion to normalize the picture quality in shadow and bright regions.
Produce YUV output interface over MIPI2 or parallel
Offers fast frame capture with anti-shaking control with capabality to process 1080p resolution images at 30 frames-per-second supporting high quality video capture on mobile phones.
Uses noise removal logic to improve image performance.
Offers auto focus, Xenon flash, mechanical or electronic rolling shutter.
Produce JPEG with thumbnail output to support picture browsing on the phone.

Availability: Now in samples and volumes in 1Q2010
Package: 8.5x8.5x6mm or smaller module

Market analysis nugget: Techno Systems Research estimates camera phones are forecast to rise from 750 million units sold in 2009 to 1.23 billion units in 2013. The sales volume of 5Mp and higher high resolution camera phones is expected to reach 98 million units in 2009 and grow to 660 million units in 2013, at a compound annual growth rate of 61 percent.