August 16, 2006, San Jose, CA--Avago Technologies has introduced the ADCC-3100, a one-fifth inch optical format, 1.3-megapixel small form factor (SFF) CMOS image sensor with advanced image processing, including spot metering capabilities. Avago's entry into the emerging SFF product category targets changing requirements in the cellular phone market. SFF CMOS sensors enable handset OEMs and camera module assemblers (CMAs) to upgrade VGA camera phones or develop desirable ultra-thin camera phones.
Camera phones have followed a similar trend to that of digital-still cameras: namely, a race toward higher resolution with expectations of improvement in image quality. With higher resolution come unique challenges in a handset environment, such as more complexity, cost (i.e., memory, data bus, lens, packaging) and size constraints. Avago introduced the ADCC-3100 Small Form Factor sensor to address the requirements of higher image quality, with the same resolution available in a smaller size.
Avago's ADCC-3100 addresses the technical challenges of SFF by capturing more light with fewer pixels and enabling a thinner phone design. On-chip image processing eliminates the need for an additional space-consuming, power-hungry companion chip while reducing system processing overhead, design complexity, and time to market. Smaller than the tip of a pencil's eraser, the ADCC-3100 fits easily into a tiny 6.0 mm x 6.0 mm x 4.5 mm low-profile camera module.
At the heart of the ADCC-3100 is Avago's EP pixel and array architecture and I-Pipe processing that increases image quality for photos. EP reduces dark current and noise, and reduces lens shading effects to offer low-light CMOS sensor performance that rivals CCD sensors. With 2.2 micron x 2.2 micron pixels, the ADCC-3100's 3D pixel e-field shaping makes each pixel ultra light sensitive. The product extends pixel sensitivity through 8 x 8 pixel binning. By comparison, image sensors generally offer 1 x 2 binning.
Avago's eighth-generation I-Pipe delivers high quality images, auto thumbnails and fast reload to avoid missing shots. It also features fast auto focus, dual flash support, shutter lag amelioration, and an advanced auto illuminant detector using second-generation plausible illuminant. The ADCC-3100 sensor is capable of 15 frames per second at full 1280 x 1024 pixel SXGA (super extended graphics) resolution, and 30 frames per second in 640 x 480 pixel VGA mode.
"We recognized this shift toward SFF early on and strategically focused our development on smaller sensors while maintaining superior image quality," said Feisal Mosleh, director of worldwide marketing and support for the Mobile Imaging Business at Avago Technologies. "Of late, top-tier cellular phone manufacturers have begun to specify 'small form factor' and high image quality as key criteria in their product specification requirements. High-quality SFF CMOS sensors benefit not only cell phone manufacturers but also service providers in leveraging existing technology investments."