NEW SENSOR ENABLES 30 PERCENT SIZE REDUCTION FOR AUTOFOCUS CAMERA MODULES
BARCELONA, Spain — February 13, 2006 — OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), a world leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona unveiled the OV2645, the world’s first ¼-inch, 2 megapixel CameraChip™ with fully integrated autofocus (AF) control on a single chip. OmniVision is the first company to integrate AF functions on a 2 megapixel CMOS image sensor.
Using its unique 2.2 micron OmniPixel®2 architecture, OmniVision was able to develop this very small 2 megapixel sensor and integrate a full autofocus control on the same die. The OV2645’s advanced autofocus functions work with an integrated microcontroller that can directly control a variety of autofocus motors through its GPIO pads or serial bus. This enables a very small, inexpensive, yet highly advanced single-chip autofocus camera module. It is in the range of 10x10mm, which is about 30% smaller than any competitive solutions available.
“By continuously developing the smallest sensors and enabling cost effective integration of advanced functions on a single chip, OmniVision strives to be a leader in digital imaging,” said Jess Lee, Vice President of the Mainstream Products Business Unit at OmniVision. “The OV2645 underscores once again that OmniVision is at the forefront of bringing imaging advancements into the mainstream camera phone markets.”
Besides the AF control function, the OV2645 takes full advantage of the new OmniPixel®2 architecture including high sensitivity, superior low light performance and a very advanced image signal processor block (OmniQSP™). The advanced image signal processor block provides high-grade picture processing, and features historically only found in digital still cameras.
The OV2645 is currently available for select customer sampling.
Safe-Harbor Language
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the Company’s industry position, the performance, achievements and capabilities of OmniPixel®2 and the OV2645 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 OmniPixel®2 or the OV2645 CMOS image sensor; 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 and most recently filed report on 10-Q. 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.