OmniVision Technologies, a developer of digital imaging solutions, has introduced its latest imaging solution for mobile phones with the 1.75µ OmniBSI (backside illumination) family. Designed specifically to address consumer demand for digital still camera (DSC) quality imaging in a mobile phone, the new devices are claimed to combine the 'industry's best' low-light sensitivity at >1400m V/(lux-sec) and a 2x improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (< 70 lux), with the industry's lowest stack height* – ideal for today's ultra-slim mobile phones. Automatic image control features and high frame rates for video encoding are claimed to offer vivid still and video images, even in the most challenging lighting conditions.
The 1.75µ OmniBSI family consists of a 5-megapixel OV5650 RAW sensor for mobile phone high resolution cameras, and the 2-megapixel OV2665 system on chip (SoC), designed to deliver the industry's best image quality to the mass market sector. In a related announcement today, the company announced its OmniBSI 1.75µ OV5653 device, designed specifically for the DSC market.
The percentage of mobile phones with integrated cameras will reach 87.5 percent by 2013, according to industry analyst iSuppli, as consumer demand for high quality imaging in mobile devices continues to rise. "Advanced technologies such as OmniBSI are transforming the image quality of mobile cameras, enabling mobile phone manufacturers to compete not just based on features, but on the camera itself," said Pamela Tufegdzic, consumer electronics analyst at iSuppli.
"We leveraged our OmniBSI technology to improve all aspects of image quality, including low-light sensitivity, quantum efficiency, and cross talk, resulting in more vivid colors and sharper images," said Per Rosdahl, director of Mobile Phone and DSC Marketing at OmniVision. "By combining the industry's lowest z-height with the best image quality, we are well ahead of the competition in delivering the imaging solutions both consumers and tier-one mobile phone manufacturers demand."