CMOS Imager offers color sensitivity from 1 lux.

Transchip Inc Feb 02, 2006

Press Release Summary:

Suited for low lighting conditions, AlgoCam(TM) TC7040 camera module features embedded, fully programmable image signal processor that can perform automatic adjustments based on external lighting conditions. Two-megapixel module supports auto-focus and zoom lenses, enabling optimized photographic quality for both close-up and panoramic images. Imager controls auto-focus and zoom drivers directly, providing close-loop solution. API speeds design of camera applications.

Original Press Release:

TransChip Introduces Second Generation CMOS Imager with Color Sensitivity from 1 Lux

New Sensor Design Enables Vivid-Color Images in all Lighting Conditions, Distinguishing Rich Colors in the Dark More Accurately Than the Human Eye

SAN JOSE, California, January 17--TransChip, a leading developer of integrated camera solutions for camera phones, announced the release of its second generation fully programmable, CMOS camera module, the TC7040. The new imager is part of TransChip's
AlgoCam(TM) product family of fully programmable imagers, and features exceptional color sensitivity in low lighting conditions. The imager samples are currently available and TransChip will begin mass production in Q1, 2006.

TransChip will be demonstrating its TC7040 imager at 3GSM World Congress In Barcelona on February 13-16, in booth E09/E10 in Hall 2.

"Even in the dark, AlgoCam(TM) TC7040 captures rich, vibrant colors, due to a new pixel design with enhanced image processing algorithms," said Dr. Viktor Ariel, TransChip CEO. "Because camera phones are often used in places with poor lighting conditions-for example, karaoke clubs, pubs, concerts, or sporting events-it is important to our customers to incorporate an imager that can deliver vivid-color images regardless of the lighting conditions. Users will immediately notice the exceptional picture quality."

AlgoCam(TM) TC7040 offers a number of enhancements in lighting sensitivity, including lower dark current noise and lower cross talk. It also has increased sensitivity to blue hues, as well as new radial anti-shading.

The embedded, fully programmable image signal processor (ISP) in AlgoCam(TM) TC7040 performs automatic adjustments based on external lighting conditions and delivers necessary image enhancements.

In addition, AlgoCam(TM) TC7040 provides built-in support for the latest auto-focus and zoom lenses, enabling the highest level of photographic quality and the sharpest images for both close-up and panoramic images. The imager controls the auto-focus and zoom drivers directly, providing a close-loop solution.

AlgoCam(TM) TC7040 is the only fully programmable 2-megapixel imager including high-level API (Application Program Interface), enabling camera applications to be designed in a matter of days.

About TransChip Inc.
TransChip is a leading developer of System-on-Chip CMOS image sensors for camera phones. The company's solutions include image capture, digital image processing and compression. This novel and unique approach enables mobile handset vendors to incorporate high quality imaging technology into their next generation handsets with fast time-to-market. For more information about TransChip, please visit www.transchip.com.

Shira Levy, TransChip Inc., +972-3-753-6308, shira@transchip.com