CMOS Image Sensor achieves CCD image quality.

Press Release Summary:



Model MI-1300 progressive scan, active pixel image sensor offers output of 30 frames per second. Able to achieve dark current of 20 electrons per second, 1.3 megapixel sensor maintains low temporal noise of less than 10 electrons. Offerings include on-chip timing/control, analog-to-digital conversion, and programmable gain/exposure control. Unit is capable of continuous video and single frame capture with sync input and strobe output.



Original Press Release:


Micron Introduces First In Family of Megapixel CMOS Image Sensors Achieving CCD Image Quality


Boise, Idaho, March 2, 2003 - Micron Technology, Inc., today announced the availability of 1.3 megapixel (MI-1300) low-power CMOS progressive scan active pixel image sensors designed to meet the demands of digital still cameras, digital video cameras, and PC cameras. Micron's 1.3 megapixel CMOS image sensors take advantage of the combination of the company's advanced DRAM CMOS process technology and sensor design expertise to achieve charged coupled device (CCD) level image quality while taking advantage of the benefits of CMOS sensor technology.

"The combination of our sensor design expertise and advanced process technology is extremely powerful and has enabled Micron to develop cost competitive megapixel CMOS image sensors that rival CCD quality," said Shawn Maloney, Senior Director of Marketing for Micron Imaging. "Combined with the inherent size, power, and integration advantages of CMOS sensors, this quality breakthrough makes Micron's megapixel technology an excellent solution for the rapidly growing digital still camera market."

The sensor output of the MI-1300 is 30 frames per second progressive scan, exceeding frame rates available for CCD sensors designed for digital still camera applications. Leveraging Micron's advanced low-leakage DRAM process technology, the sensor achieves a dark current of 20 electrons per second. The sensor maintains a low temporal noise of less than 10 electrons, allowing images to be captured in lower light levels. The sensor's performance on both of these parameters, as well as others, is similar to CCD levels and exceeds the performance of most competing CMOS sensors. Proprietary process techniques have also been applied to achieve a high degree of color separation that results in richer colors.

The MI-1300 has on-chip timing and control, analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), programmable gain and exposure control, auto black level calibration, and snap-shot and viewfinder modes. It is capable of both continuous video and single frame capture with sync input and strobe output as well as windowing, horizontal and vertical blanking control. The MI-1300 is the first in a family of megapixel products and will be followed by higher resolution megapixel devices later this year.

Micron's MI-1300 devices are manufactured on 0.18mm process technology in Micron's Boise, Idaho, fabrication facility. While taking advantage of its advanced DRAM process technology to manufacture its megapixel products internally, Micron will continue to leverage its ongoing foundry relationships to manufacture image sensors targeted at mobile and consumer applications. "Micron now provides devices at multiple resolutions to meet the diverse needs of mobile and consumer imaging applications," added Maloney. "We will continue to leverage our design and process strengths, as well as our foundry relationships, to meet the needs of these and other emerging markets."

Micron is demonstrating the performance capabilities of the MI-1300 this week in booth #J44 at the tradeshow PMA 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. For more information or to request samples, contact your nearest Micron sales representative. To find the contact nearest you, go to www.micron.com/salesoffices.

Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions used in today's leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and communications products. Micron Technology, Inc., and its subsidiaries manufacture and market DRAMs, very fast SRAMs, Flash memory, TCAMs, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components and memory modules. Micron's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit its web site at www.micron.com.

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