Date: 15/02/2011

Digital Camera quality HD CMOS Image sensor for mobile phones

Samsung Electronics is sampling the new 1/3.2-inch 8 Megapixel (Mp) CMOS imager, S5K3H2 made using Samsung's 1.4 micron (um) back side illuminated (BSI) pixel technology supporting quality picture capturing in low light. This image sensor enables mobile phones to capture pictures at a quality equivalent to that of digital cameras.

"The new imager with BSI is designed to address the increased demand for 8 Megapixel resolution cameras by high-end mobile phone customers, and offers excellent low-light sensitivity as well as 1080p full HD video features," said Dojun Rhee, vice president of marketing, System LSI Division, Samsung Electronics. "We continue to expand our product portfolio beyond mobile phones, to serve a wide variety of applications such as DSLR cameras, DVC/DSCs, camera embedded displays and game applications."

The 8Mp imager supports up to 15 frames per second (fps) at full resolution and 1080p full HD video image up to 30fps. It also offers video recording of 720p at 60fps and VGA resolution images at 120fps for slow motion playback function all on a mobile phone.

Based on Samsung's BSI low power process technology, the S5K3H2 is able to operate on 1.2 voltage levels enabling longer battery life for high-end mobile and smartphones. Another advantage of this sensor chip is its slim form factor which can fit in to a 8.5mm x 8.5mm auto focus camera module with a height dimension of 6.0mm.

Samsung's 8Mp S5K3H2 is scheduled for mass production in the second quarter of this year.