Date: 24/05/2012

Omnivision new 16MP image sensor chips to keep DSC camera biz hot

The digital photography technology is scaling to higher resolution continuously, mainly driven by the image capture capabilities of image sensors and image processor chip. The leading CMOS image sensor maker Ominvision has launched 16 mega pixel image sensor supporting burst photography and 4K2K video capture (Quad Full High Definition (QFHD) at 60 frames per second (FPS). These image sensors enable digital still camera and video recorders to maintain sales-figures irrespective of quality camera phones available.

The OV16820 and OV16825, two 16-megapixel CameraChip sensors is based on the high performance 1.34-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel architecture supports emerging standards in high-resolution video recording for the digital still and video camera (DSC/DVC) markets. High end smartphones can also integrate these image sensor chips.

Devang Patel, senior product marketing manager, OmniVision says "OV16820 allows DSC/DVC manufacturers to provide consumers a high-resolution, feature-rich point and shoot photography experience, while the OV16825 provides top-tier imaging and video recording capabilities for flagship smartphones."

The 1/2.3-inch OV16820 and OV16825 image sensors are capable of operating in full resolution (4608 x 3456) video at 30 FPS, 4K2K (3840 x 2160) video at 60 FPS, and 1080p HD video at 60 FPS with extra pixels for electronic image stabilization (EIS).

Image signal processing functions such as defective pixel and noise canceling, RAW scaling, image size, frame rate, exposure, gain, cropping and orientation can be programmed through the serial camera control bus (SCCB) interface.

OV16820 and OV16825 feature 8-lane MIPI and LVDS output interfaces for high data transfer rates. The OV16820 is available for sampling in a ceramic land grid array (CLGA) package while the OV16825 will be available in die form (RW/COB).

Volume availability: Both by the fourth quarter of 2012.