CMOS Image Sensors target mobile camera market.

Press Release Summary:



DigitalClarity(TM) mobile VGA Sensors provide high image quality down to sub lux illumination levels. System-on-chip Model MT9V111 includes programmable image processor that performs auto exposure, white balance, color recovery and correction, sharpening, lens shading, and defect correction. Stand-alone Model MT9V011 outputs progressive-scan images at up to 30 fps. Both are suited for camera module manufacturers targeting cell phone, smart phone, and PDA applications.



Original Press Release:



Micron Announces VGA Mobile CMOS Image Sensors Providing Best-In-Class Performance to the Mobile Camera Market



Micron's first internally manufactured mobile VGA sensors greatly improve image quality down to sub lux illumination levels

http://www.micron.com/news/product/2004-02-09_vgamobilecmos.html

Boise, Idaho, February 9, 2004 - Micron Technology, Inc., today announced the availability of two best-in-class VGA DigitalClarity(TM) CMOS image sensors for the mobile imaging market - the MT9V011 stand alone VGA image sensor and the MT9V111 VGA system-on-a-chip (SOC). These are the first mobile sensors to be internally manufactured in Micron's fabrication facilities using Micron's DRAM processes optimized for image sensors. The use of Micron's low leakage DRAM-based manufacturing processes allows these sensors to achieve superior image-quality, even under sub lux lighting conditions. These sensors meet the needs demanded by handset manufacturers - improved overall image quality and performance at very low light conditions.

"Micron is committed to making advanced CMOS image sensors that enable our customers to design fully functional mobile devices with the highest image quality available," commented Micron's Vice President of Imaging, Bob Gove. "We continue to improve the image quality level of our CMOS sensors - setting new quality standards in the CMOS image sensor arena and challenging markets once dominated by CCD manufacturers. Manufacturing these sensors with Micron's image sensor optimized manufacturing processes enables us to deliver the highest CMOS image quality in the industry. We are able to provide camera module manufacturers with image sensors that achieve exceptional image quality under all lighting conditions, extending to below one lux illumination."

These ¼ inch optical format sensors have been developed and optimized to meet the demands of the growing camera-phone industry, including excellent image quality under all lighting conditions, low cost/small footprint, and low power consumption. They are ideally suited for camera module manufacturers targeting cell phone, smart phone, and PDA applications. Additionally the SOC device, functioning as a single-chip camera, greatly simplifies the camera module manufacturing process, reduces noise, and lowers overall imaging system cost to handset manufacturers.

The MT9V111 (VGA SOC sensor) incorporates several key functions usually performed by other components in a camera system within the image sensor, giving customers the ability to manufacture miniaturized camera modules with a single piece of silicon. A programmable image processor within the sensor performs operations like auto exposure, white balance, color recovery and correction, sharpening, programmable gamma correction, auto black level offset correction, lens shading, flicker avoidance and on-the-fly defect identification and correction. As a result of theses functions, the camera corrects and adapts to a wide range of conditions and performs exceptionally well at low light levels. The MT9V111 enables image decimation while maintaining smooth, uninterrupted motion for greater flexibility and control when capturing either continuous video or single frame images.

Micron's MT9V011 (VGA sensor) is also built using the company's optimized technology and is a complimentary product to the MT9V111 (SOC VGA), providing customers with a choice between an SOC or a stand alone VGA sensor. It outputs high-quality, progressive-scan images at up to 30 fps at very low power. Providing customers with either the SOC or the stand alone VGA sensor enables them to use Micron's camera control technology or their own. In addition to being an ideal choice for cell phones and PDAs, the stand alone sensor is a strong candidate for dual-mode cameras, PC cameras, toys, and a variety of other applications. They are also compatible with third party solutions.

Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, Flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products. 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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