Advanced OV7670 CMOS Sensor Improves Image Quality While Reducing Pixel Size and Module Height
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — August 15, 2005 — OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), the world’s leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today launched the OV7670 CameraChip™, a 1/6-inch VGA CMOS image sensor for mobile applications. With a pixel size reduced from 4.2 microns to 3.6 microns, the OV7670 uses a smaller optical format than its predecessor, the OV7660, which allows for a significant reduction in module height.
“OmniVision’s ability to keep driving down pixel size and improving image quality allows module makers to continue shrinking camera module sizes and helps handset makers develop smaller and more sophisticated devices,” said Jess Lee, OmniVision’s Director of Product Marketing. “With the OV7670 sensor’s small footprint, high image quality and new LCD scaler feature, we believe OmniVision is well positioned to meet these needs.”
The OV7670’s LCD scaler, a new feature recently launched with the 1.3 megapixel OV9655 image sensor, allows handset makers to scale images to the exact size of LCD screens, eliminating the need for a separate backend DSP. The OV7670 employs OmniVision’s proprietary OmniPixel® sensor architecture, which significantly increases signal-to-noise ratio and delivers exceptional low-light performance.
The low-voltage OV7670 image sensor provides the full functionality of a single-chip VGA camera and image processor in a small footprint package (3.8mm x 4.2mm), which allows for a camera module size as small as 6mm x 6mm x 4.5mm. It provides full-frame, sub-sampled or windowed 8-bit images in a wide range of formats controlled through a serial camera control bus (SCCB) interface. All required image processing functions including exposure control, gamma, white balance, color saturation, hue control, white pixel canceling and noise canceling are programmable through the SCCB interface.
The OV7670 comes in a lead-free package and is available now in volume production quantities.
About OmniPixel® Technology
OmniPixel® technology is the CMOS image sensor industry’s first no-compromise technology for advanced image-sensor applications. It enables OmniVision’s next generation of image sensors to deliver the light sensitivity, resolution, color fidelity and low noise of advanced CCD products, while also providing the proven advantages that designers have come to expect from OmniVision’s CMOS solutions — low cost, high integration, low power consumption, wide dynamic range and switchable still-image or video capture. OmniPixel® products come with premium features such as auto-focus, zooming, panning and mechanical shutter control that allow OmniPixel® technology to challenge CCDs in high-end camera markets.
Safe-Harbor
Language Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance achievements and capabilities of OmniVision’s OV7670 CMOS image sensor, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forward-looking statements and OmniVision’s results to differ materially, include, without limitation: potential errors, design flaws or other problems with the OV7670 VGA CMOS image sensor; risks associated with building customer acceptance of and demand for the OV7670; the development of the market for VGA sensors in the camera phone market as well as in markets for other portable applications incorporating image sensors; the rapid changes in technical requirements for camera phone products; competitive risks; as well as other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision’s most recent annual report filed on Form 10-K. OmniVision expressly disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.