Samsung will soon incorporate a 5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor with full HD video capabilities in its smartphones, to better compete with the iPhone's camera capabilities.
Samsung today announced two new 1.4 micron CMOS sensors, the S5K4E5 and S5K2N1, adopting back side illuminated (BSI) pixel technology. In contrast to the front side illumination technology, backside illumination collects photons from the backside of the pixel. The reversed structure moves the photodiode to the top, maximizing photoelectric efficiency as the light is not scattered through the metal wiring and dielectric layers, which cause the loss of photons. Adoption of the BSI technology addresses the low light sensitivity concern common to CMOS image sensors as the pixel size reduces.
Samsung's new BSI sensors show 30 percent enhancement in low light sensitivity over conventional front side illumination sensors of the same pixel size.
The S5K4E5, a quarter-inch optical format 1.4 micron 5-megapixel CMOS image sensor, is designed to support full resolution real-time video. By providing 30fps full resolution frame rates it also enables the user to "catch the shot" by capturing the frame as the user hits the shutter button thus reducing shot to lag time. The 5-megapixel sensor has a wider chief ray angle that reduces the height of the sensor package, making it attractive for slim, small form factor smartphones with demanding z-height requirements.
The S5K2N1, a 1/2.33-inch optical format 1.4 micron 14.6-megapixel sensor, offers 30fps capability at full resolution and leverages Samsung's low-power 90 nanometer logic process technology.
These sensors also offer the ability to capture full HD resolution video images at 60fps.
Samples of the 5-megapixel sensor are available now with mass production starting in the fourth quarter of this year. The 14.6-megapixel sensor is expected to start sampling in the fourth quarter of 2010 with production scheduled in the first quarter of 2011.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
_pt00.jpg)
_pt00.jpg)
_pt00.jpg)
_pt00.jpg)
|
Archive