Dual Camera Subsystem supports high-end mobile applications.
Press Release Summary:
Two-Camera Image Subsystem is based on STV0984 image system controller that supports 2 SMIA-compliant sensors with active array of up to 2 M pixels, each capable of running at up to 25 frames/sec. STV0984 controller embeds dual imaging signal processing pipeline, with color interpolation, scaling, formatting, and JPEG compression. Dual pipeline also supports full-frame rate camcorder mode with local viewfinder support and video capture.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Introduces Advanced Two-Camera Subsystem for High-End Mobile Applications
ST's latest image system controller couples dual processing pipeline with advanced algorithms and flexible system architecture
Geneva, February 13,2006 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in CMOS imaging technology and the largest supplier of camera modules for mobile phones in 2005, today announced a high-performance imaging solution, capable of controlling the entire imaging subsystem in a mobile phone. The ultra-low-power, self-contained solution is based on ST's latest image system controller (STV0984), which provides a full range of imaging functions, including the support of two SMIA-compliant sensors with resolution of up to 2 M pixels, each capable of running at up to 25 frames per second.
This flexible two-camera sub system is ideally suited for the increasing market for third-generation handsets that support video conferencing applications. Typically the lower resolution camera, dedicated to video conferencing, will be mounted to face toward the phone user while the high resolution, still-image-centric device will face away from the user.
ST's new image-system controller embeds a high-speed Imaging Signal Processing pipeline, including color interpolation, image enhancement, scaling, formatting, and JPEG compression. All processing operations run in real time to provide an optimized, cost-efficient solution with no framestore memory required. The STV0984 can support two SMIA (Standard Mobile Imaging Architecture) sensors with an active array of up to 2M pixels and produces best-in-class video performance of 25 frames per second (fps) at full (UXGA) resolution.
In addition to superb image quality, the STV0984's dual video pipelines enable the simultaneous processing of a single frame of data, so that the captured still image is identical to that on the phone viewfinder with no perceptible shutter lag. The dual-pipeline architecture also supports a true full-frame rate camcorder mode with simultaneous local viewfinder support and video capture with an optional 4x smooth digital zoom.
The STV0984 controller contains 11 configurable GPIO (General Purpose Input/Outputs), including smart-pulse generators and an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), to provide flexibility for support and control of many imaging peripherals. These peripherals include flash systems and all types of auto-focus actuators. Camera modules are connected to the imaging processor through the high-speed serial CCP2 (Compact Camera Port) interface. CCP2 provides a low-power, low-EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference), and reduced pin-count connection that is particularly valuable in clam-shell phones. Furthermore, flexibility in voltage and clock supply makes the device suitable for integration in a wide range of mobile-phone platforms and architectures.
"The imaging subsystem concept is particularly powerful when upgrading a non-imaging or legacy baseband to high-resolution, high-speed, multi-camera, and auto-focus imaging functionality," said Jean-Yves Gomez, Group Vice President and General Manager of ST's Imaging Division. "With the STV0984 controller as the hub of a high-performance imaging subsystem, customers can add camera modules of different sizes and resolutions to deliver a range of imaging solutions for various market segments."
Most recent additions to the Company's extensive portfolio of camera modules include a SMIA-compliant 2-Mpixel camera module in both fixed and auto-focus variants (VS6750/ VA6750) and an ultra-small CIF+ camera for videoconferencing applications.
The STV0984 comes complete with standard software modules that can be accessed by simple commands. System integration is quick, painless and fully supported by ST's worldwide team of imaging application specialists.
The STV0984 Imaging System Controller and the fixed-focus 2-Mpixel camera module (VS6750S02F) are volume-production ready and priced at $4.50 and $13, respectively, in quantities of 50,000. The auto-focus variant of the 2-Mpixel camera module (VA6750S02F) is sampling now, with volume production scheduled for early Q2 2006 at $18 in quantities of 50,000.
About ST's Home, Personal, Communication Group (HPC)
STMicroelectronics is a world-leading supplier of comprehensive solutions for the converging segments of home entertainment, communication, and connectivity. ST's HPC product offering encompasses a whole range of applications in the digital consumer market, including set-top box, DVD, TV, and audio; a wide array of solutions for personal multimedia, from application processors to energy management, mobile imaging, and wireless connectivity; and a full spectrum of display ICs and devices for wireless and wireline network infrastructures.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2004, the Company's net revenues were $8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
