
Digital still cameras (DSC) and digital video cameras (DVC) continue to move towards CMOS image sensor technology, largely due to its ability to deliver HD video. The DSC/DVC market is shifting to accommodate changing consumer demands and CMOS image sensors are the leading contender to address these market trends:
Consumers are seeking out small profile, highly portable flash-based video cameras that offer high quality image capture and HD video;
New social media and video sharing platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook, drive demand for affordable, high quality recording devices offering HD; and
Consumer preference is shifting towards owning one device that can capture the best still and HD video images.
Given these trends, it is clear that OmniVision's CMOS image sensor solutions are ideally suited to address the converging DSC and DVC markets.
OmniVision's proprietary OmniPixel3-HS™ and OmniBSI™ architectures give it a clear advantage over competing CMOS image sensor products because they enable best-in-class image quality, color reproduction and low-light performance. OmniVision is exceptionally well positioned to capitalize on the growing DSC/DVC market segment by delivering industry-leading pixel technologies, 720p or 1080p HD video at 30/60 fps, -- the standard for HD -- and high-speed burst technologies not available in CCDs.
A Market in Transition
The market for CMOS image sensors targeting DSC and DVC applications is forecast to rise from 25.3 million units in 2009 to 56 million units by 2013, with nearly 40 million going into DVCs. Because of CMOS' performance capabilities, high levels of integration, CCD-equivalent (or better) image quality and competitive pricing, Techno Systems Research (TSR) further predicts that CCD shipments will decline by nearly 22 million units per year over the same period. OmniVision is well positioned to take full advantage of these trends as more consumers are demanding HD video, uncompromised image quality and good overall camera performance.
OmniVision Offers an Extensive Digital Still Camera and Digital Video Portfolio
OmniVision offers a rich product portfolio to address DSC and DVC applications. Its sensors can deliver up to 3000 mV/lux-sec low-light performance and offer full 720p and 1080p HD video. OmniVision's OmniPixel3-HS and OmniBSI technologies both achieve strong performance for DSC/DVC applications, with best in class low light sensitivity and market leadership for both small and big pixel technology.
|
OV5633 |
OV5653 |
OV9810 |
| Application |
Entry level DSC/DVC |
Best-in-class quality DSC/DVC |
Volume zone DSC/DVC |
| Resolution |
5 MP |
5 MP |
9 MP |
| Pixel Type |
OmniPixel3-HS™ - 1.75µ |
OmniBSI™ - 1.75µ |
OmniPixel3-HS&trade - 1.75µ |
| Optical Size |
1/3.2" |
1/3.2" |
1/2.3" |
| Sensitivity |
960 mV/(lux-sec) |
> 1400 mV/(lux-sec) |
960 mV/(lux-sec) |
| Array Size |
2592x1944 @15fps |
2592x1944 @15fps |
3488x2616 @ 8.9fps |
| Video |
720p@60fps |
720p@60fps with 2x2 binning |
720p@60fps with 2x2 binning |
| Full HD |
1080p@30fps |
1080p@30fps |
1080p@30fps |
| Interface |
10-bit Parallel 2-Lane MIPI |
10-bit Parallel 2-Lane MIPI |
12-bit Parallel 2-Lane MIPI |
| Package |
CSP2 |
CSP3 |
CSP3 |
OmniVision has been able to achieve unparalleled performance with its CMOS image sensors, making CMOS a viable option for digital video and camcorder applications. As video is increasingly being seen as a "must have" feature, camera manufacturers are looking for new solutions that offer competitive advantages at a price point acceptable to the consumer. OmniVision's portfolio of native HD image sensors can meet these requirements.
Historically consumers have utilized separate devices for still photography and video capture. With the number of devices deemed "indispensable" - cell phones, digital cameras, PDAs and all of their required accessories (chargers, batteries, lenses), consumers are now pushing to have single devices that can offer best-of-breed performance across technologies. Almost all digital cameras, as an example, now offer a video capture mode; almost all cell phones offer a still camera capture (with many already incorporating video). In the past these hybrid devices sacrificed quality for functionality, (i.e a consumer could carry one camera but capture still or moving images). Recent trends suggest that consumers are no longer willing to sacrifice quality of image capture - meaning digital video, regardless of the form factor or end device, must offer the best quality image capture, leaving it to manufacturers like OmniVision to develop novel approaches to reduce form factors and power consumption enabling these critical new implementations of digital video.
Because the BSI sensor uses the backside of the chip to collect light, the circuitry of metal and dielectric layers are not blocking any incoming light. Therefore, BSI technology offers the most direct path for light to reach the sensor, providing higher sensitivity, better quantum efficiency and less pixel to pixel cross talk compared to a standard FSI sensor of equal pixel size.
OmniVision conducts over 50 different tests on each and every one of its sensors to ensure they meet the highest imaging quality standards. To ensure that the highest performance and reliability standards are met, all OmniVision digital still and digital video camera solutions are AEC-Q100 qualified. The OmniVision digital still and digital video camera design team has placed a strong emphasis on package and test engineering. OmniVision digital still and digital video camera components are designed specifically to ensure reliable operation in harsh environments; resisting extreme temperatures, vibration and humidity.
OmniVision digital still and digital video camera solutions deliver the inherent advantages of CMOS, including higher integration and a lower overall bill-of-material cost, while exceeding the performance of competing CCD solutions. With advanced image signal processing capabilities, OmniVision digital still and digital video camera solutions deliver vivid image capture in the most challenging lighting conditions. According to industry analysts, CMOS sensors are projected to represent more than four times the unit sales of CCD units by 2012, due in large part to the performance they can achieve at lower price points than CCD technology.
The short answer is form factor. As package size shrinks - think of the newest mobile phones and low-end digital cameras - device manufacturers are looking for approaches that can deliver the highest quality images and video using the least possible space within the device. Manufacturers bill of materials is also reduced by implementing a single product (as compared to two or more) to achieve the same functionality.