Image Sensor is designed for mobile handset market.

Micron Technology, Inc. Feb 11, 2004

Press Release Summary:

Based on 1/3 in. optical format, 1.3 megapixel MT9M011 sensor delivers low-light (sub-lux) performance and utilizes low-noise DigitalClarity technology to enable capture of color images. Features include programmable gain and exposure control and black-level calibration. It has frame rate of up to 30 fps at 50 mW along with image decimation to any size while sustaining smooth, continuous motion.

Original Press Release:

Micron Introduces Revolutionary 1.3 Megapixel Sensor Targeted at the Rapidly Growing Mobile Handset Market

New sensor architecture and next generation process allows Micron to increase resolution without significantly increasing size, cost and power consumption

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

Boise, Idaho, February 9, 2004 - Micron Technology, Inc., today announced availability of MT9M011 1.3 megapixel image sensor - the company's first megapixel sensor designed specifically for the mid- to high-end mobile market, including smart phones and 3G phone platforms. The MT9M011 uses Micron's newly developed sensor architecture and next generation process, achieving best-in-class performance in key areas such as low-light sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio and ultra low power consumption. The addition of this revolutionary mobile 1.3 megapixel sensor complements Micron's existing VGA offering, giving Micron a wide range of DigitalClarity(TM) products to address mobile imaging requirements.

Micron has made significant performance improvements over competing mobile megapixel CMOS image sensors by leveraging its 150 nanometer low leakage DRAM processes and developing a unique sensor architecture that takes advantage of these processes. Micron's unique combination of design, process, and architectural expertise allows the company to provide sensors that deliver the best image quality under extreme low-light situations (sub lux) and consume less power than competing 1.3 megapixel image sensors. Although the MT9M011 is the first mobile sensor to be based on Micron's unique architecture, many of Micron's future sensors will take advantage of this new technology.

"Micron's mobile 1.3 megapixel sensor continues to push the limits of CMOS imaging technology," stated Micron's Vice President of Imaging, Bob Gove. "With the introduction of this sensor, we have designed a unique architecture that further leverages our optimized sensor manufacturing process and allows us to get maximum performance from our pixel design. We achieve a lower dark current, low lag, higher quantum efficiency and higher sensitivity; thus providing a sensor that matches state-of-the-art CCDs yet requires less power than competing 1.3 megapixel sensors. We believe the process and architectural improvements incorporated into this product make it a best-in-class sensor, enabling our customers to improve the imaging performance of their mobile devices to levels beyond traditional DCS solutions."

Based on a 1/3-inch optical format, Micron's MT9M011 sensor immediately achieves a best-in-class designation when compared to similar sensors targeting mobile applications. The MT9M011 delivers superior low-light performance, exceeding sensitivity levels of CMOS-based sensors and matching the sensitivity levels of state-of-the-art CCD-based sensors. The low-noise DigitalClarity technology enables the sensor to capture superb-quality color images without increasing power requirements. Additional features include: programmable gain and exposure control and black-level calibration, a frame rate of up to 30 fps at 50 mW along with image decimation to any size while sustaining smooth, continuous motion.

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.

Micron and DigitalClarity are trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.