text: “We currently see camera phones trending toward higher resolutions while needing to maintain their intrinsic small form factor. A one-quarter inch, 2-megapixel sensor design is the industry sweet spot,” said Bob Gove, vice president of Micron Technology, Inc.’s imaging group. “Early customer reception has been very positive around this new sensor, with customers noting its superior image quality and design for today’s increasingly popular thin phones.”
  The new 2-megapixel sensor (product number MT9D112) complements Micron’s existing CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor portfolio for mobile handsets, which span the gamut from VGA to 5-megapixel resolution. As with all Micron image sensors, the MT9D112 is powered by Micron’s proprietary DigitalClarity(TM) technology, providing best-in-class image performance. Key highlights of the MT9D112 include:
  — The world’s first image sensor that supports both a parallel interface as well as the MIPI serial interface (both CSI-2 and D-PHY), providing a common platform for handset design engineers that leads to higher performance, lower development costs and quicker times to market.
  — Developed using Micron’s stunning 2.2 micron pixel technology, it reduces the sensor form-factor to one-quarter inch for simple design into ever-smaller camera phones, all the while maintaining picture quality. This sensor will also allow for industry leading, low-height modules for fixed focus and auto focus cameras.
  — Fully integrated system-on-chip (SoC) sensor that includes an integrated microcontroller that achieves more efficient image processing, global reset to avoid image tearing, and pixel binning for enhanced image viewing. The microcontroller also increases the device’s flexibility to adjust color and other image processing functions, and the integrated auto focus saves time, design cost and space normally incurred by a second companion chip.
  — The sensor is capable of 15 frames per second (fps) at full resolution and 30 fps in video mode, capturing clear video clips.
  General customer sampling is planned for April 2006, with mass production expected in August 2006. To learn more about Micron’s CMOS image sensor portfolio for mobile applications, please visit http://www.micron.com/products/imaging/applications/wireless.html.