OptoIQ published an article on Philips silicon photomultiplier advantages. Philips places 1-bit ADC inside each pixel, that digitizes an avalanche PD output. There is also active quenching circuitry integrated into each pixel.
Philips' fully integrated 64 pixel sensor with a sensing surface of greater than 10 cm2 and a power consumption less than 15 mW/cm2 uses 180 nm CMOS technology on 8 in. wafers (to me this sounds like Tower is the foundry). The device's photon-detection efficiency is 30% at 450 nm; it has an optical crosstalk of 8% and a dark-count rate of 100 kHz/mm2 at 20°C and 900 Hz/mm2 at -40°C.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Pixart Revenues Down
Digitimes: Pixart expects Q1 2011 revenues to decline 20% sequentially due to inventory adjustments by games console clients, company chairman Huang Sen-huang said. The gross margin will fall below 40% to around 35-36%, according to Huang.
Q1 shipments have been hampered by Nintendo lowering its shipment forecast for the Wii from 17.5M units to 16M units. Pixart is projecting a 60% sequential shipment decrease for its games console product lines which will constitute 14% of the company's quarterly revenues, down from 28%, Huang said.
For mouse and optical touch controllers, Huang forecast that first-quarter performance will stay flat, but Pixart's overall revenues could still slip 20% sequentially. Optical touch controllers currently represent 5-10% of Pixart's revenues, Huang indicated, noting that in the future, Pixart will focus on the 10-to-30-inch consumer electronics segment.
Huang believes optical touch technology has cost advantages in all-in-one (AIO) PC's large-size screens, but actual AIO shipments in 2010 were only 6-8 million units, much lower than the projected 12-14 million units. Moreover, Apple's AIO, which does not incorporate optical touch screen features, grabbed the largest market share, meaning shipments for optical touch AIO models totaled about 2-3 million units.
Q1 shipments have been hampered by Nintendo lowering its shipment forecast for the Wii from 17.5M units to 16M units. Pixart is projecting a 60% sequential shipment decrease for its games console product lines which will constitute 14% of the company's quarterly revenues, down from 28%, Huang said.
For mouse and optical touch controllers, Huang forecast that first-quarter performance will stay flat, but Pixart's overall revenues could still slip 20% sequentially. Optical touch controllers currently represent 5-10% of Pixart's revenues, Huang indicated, noting that in the future, Pixart will focus on the 10-to-30-inch consumer electronics segment.
Huang believes optical touch technology has cost advantages in all-in-one (AIO) PC's large-size screens, but actual AIO shipments in 2010 were only 6-8 million units, much lower than the projected 12-14 million units. Moreover, Apple's AIO, which does not incorporate optical touch screen features, grabbed the largest market share, meaning shipments for optical touch AIO models totaled about 2-3 million units.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Camtek Announces Orders for its CIS Inspection System
PR Newswire: Israel-based Camtek announced that it received an order for multiple wafer inspection systems from one of the world's largest manufacturers of CMOS image sensors. Camtek's back-end inspection equipment will be used throughout the manufacturing process and will significantly contribute to improving the customer's yield. The order includes multiple Falcon systems for 2D inspection. The systems are expected to be installed during Q1 2011.
"Our systems provide a Sub-resolution Detection feature and provide coverage of a wide range of CIS process defects, including Color Filter Array (CFA) process control, and thus enable the most reliable detection of critical defects in the image sensor array at a significantly higher throughput. ... As cameras trend to using CMOS Image Sensors with bigger arrays and higher resolutions, more inspection is needed. For example, cameras with 3 megapixels are sample inspected while cameras of 5 megapixels or greater, tend to be 100% inspected. ... We are expecting additional multiple orders from this strategic customer during 2011," commented Roy Porat, Camtek's CEO.
"Our systems provide a Sub-resolution Detection feature and provide coverage of a wide range of CIS process defects, including Color Filter Array (CFA) process control, and thus enable the most reliable detection of critical defects in the image sensor array at a significantly higher throughput. ... As cameras trend to using CMOS Image Sensors with bigger arrays and higher resolutions, more inspection is needed. For example, cameras with 3 megapixels are sample inspected while cameras of 5 megapixels or greater, tend to be 100% inspected. ... We are expecting additional multiple orders from this strategic customer during 2011," commented Roy Porat, Camtek's CEO.
Omnivision's First OmniBSI-2 Product is Based on 1.4um Pixel
PR Newswire: Omnivision introduces 1/3.2-inch 8MP OV8830, the first sensor to use the second generation OmniBSI-2 pixel architecture. The 1.4um pixel OmniBSI-2 architecture offers many improvements over OmniBSI technology including 20% improvement in peak QE in all color channels, 35% improvement in low-light sensitivity and 45% increase in full-well capacity.
OmniBSI-2 technology is OmniVision's first pixel architecture built on 300 mm wafers using a copper process with 65 nm design rules, developed in close cooperation with strategic manufacturing partner TSMC. The new process and design rules enable a number of substantial improvements over OmniBSI performance, including improved pixel layout, better isolation, and significantly reduced crosstalk. As compared to OmniBSI, OmniBSI-2 technology also provides the basis for a larger collection region in the photodiode. The results include increased sensitivity, improved image quality and enhanced color reproduction, leading to more responsive overall sensor performance.
In full 8MP (3264 x 2448) resolution, the OV8830 operates at 24 fps in a 4:3 format and in 6MP (3264 x 1836) resolution at 30 fps in a 16:9 format. The OV8830 supports 1080p/30fps HD video mode and integrates a scaler and 2x2 binning functionality. The scaler enables electronic image stabilization, while maintaining full field of view in video mode.
The OV8830 fits into the industry standard module size of 8.5 x 8.5 x 6 mm and is now available for sampling. Mass production is expected to start in the second half of 2011.
OmniBSI-2 technology is OmniVision's first pixel architecture built on 300 mm wafers using a copper process with 65 nm design rules, developed in close cooperation with strategic manufacturing partner TSMC. The new process and design rules enable a number of substantial improvements over OmniBSI performance, including improved pixel layout, better isolation, and significantly reduced crosstalk. As compared to OmniBSI, OmniBSI-2 technology also provides the basis for a larger collection region in the photodiode. The results include increased sensitivity, improved image quality and enhanced color reproduction, leading to more responsive overall sensor performance.
In full 8MP (3264 x 2448) resolution, the OV8830 operates at 24 fps in a 4:3 format and in 6MP (3264 x 1836) resolution at 30 fps in a 16:9 format. The OV8830 supports 1080p/30fps HD video mode and integrates a scaler and 2x2 binning functionality. The scaler enables electronic image stabilization, while maintaining full field of view in video mode.
The OV8830 fits into the industry standard module size of 8.5 x 8.5 x 6 mm and is now available for sampling. Mass production is expected to start in the second half of 2011.
Yole Developpement Interviewed by ISE
Image Sensors Europe published an interview with Jérôme Baron responsible for MEMS and Sensor Manufacturing at market analysts Yole Developpement. Jerome gives his forecast of image sensor markets over the next 5 years:
Talking about China market Jerome says: "We have been quite intrigued by the recent success of Galaxy Core in China: together with wafer foundry SMIC, they have been able to ship more than 100 Million image sensors last year, cutting cost by two on the low-end CIS market thanks to an innovative, simplified BEOL architecture. And it is interesting to compare Galaxy Core's recent success to the growth of China's white-box handset market, which now also claims to be over 100 million unbranded Chinese cell-phones every year..."
Talking about China market Jerome says: "We have been quite intrigued by the recent success of Galaxy Core in China: together with wafer foundry SMIC, they have been able to ship more than 100 Million image sensors last year, cutting cost by two on the low-end CIS market thanks to an innovative, simplified BEOL architecture. And it is interesting to compare Galaxy Core's recent success to the growth of China's white-box handset market, which now also claims to be over 100 million unbranded Chinese cell-phones every year..."
Omnivision Announces 3MP 1.4um BSI Pixel Sensor
PR Newswire: Omnivision introduces the OV3660, the company's first 3MP sensor based on BSI pixel architecture: "We continue to see a strong market shift in the feature phone and entry-level smart phone segments from 2- to 3-megapixel resolutions consistent with increasing consumer demand for quality and functionality," said Charles Chong, product marketing manager for OmniVision. "Implementing OmniBSI technology at the 3-megapixel resolution allows... to facilitate easy migration from existing 2-megapixel camera designs from a manufacturing standpoint."
The OV3660's form factor permits direct insertion into an industry-standard 6.5 x 6.5 mm module, enabling a quick and easy upgrade from current 2-megapixel camera designs. The sensor is now sampling and is expected to enter mass production in Q3 2011.
The OV3660's form factor permits direct insertion into an industry-standard 6.5 x 6.5 mm module, enabling a quick and easy upgrade from current 2-megapixel camera designs. The sensor is now sampling and is expected to enter mass production in Q3 2011.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Morpho Unveiled HDR and Rolling Shutter Correction Technologies
PR Newswire: Japan-based Morpho announced the development of HDR technology and rolling shutter distortion correction technology. These technologies operate on mobile handsets including Android devices.
HDR technology compensates for clipped highlights in bright areas and clipped shadows in dark areas of high contrast images. Morpho, Inc.'s HDR technology creates an ideal image by using multiple images with different exposure times. The main feature of this technology is that Morpho's original motion compensation technology "SOFTGYRO" eliminates the need for accessories such as tripods. In addition, ghosts of subjects are not captured due to subject blur compensation.
Morpho's video image stabilization technology "MovieSolid" has been expanded to correct rolling shutter distortions in addition to video image stabilization in the horizontal and vertical directions.
HDR technology compensates for clipped highlights in bright areas and clipped shadows in dark areas of high contrast images. Morpho, Inc.'s HDR technology creates an ideal image by using multiple images with different exposure times. The main feature of this technology is that Morpho's original motion compensation technology "SOFTGYRO" eliminates the need for accessories such as tripods. In addition, ghosts of subjects are not captured due to subject blur compensation.
Morpho's video image stabilization technology "MovieSolid" has been expanded to correct rolling shutter distortions in addition to video image stabilization in the horizontal and vertical directions.
Melexis Introduces Automotive HDR Sensor
PR Newswire: Melexis launches the MLX75411 "Avocet" HDR sensor designed for driver assistance and night vision applications. The sensor will also be beneficial for security/surveillance cameras, fleet safety cameras, truck blind spot cameras, transportation/heavy vehicle cameras, and other outdoor and all weather cameras.
The Avocet image sensor is 1/3-inch format wide-VGA sensor with a 1024x512 pixels resolution, using 5.6um pixels. It features an extended high dynamic range of up to 154dB in every single frame at a full frame speed of 60fps. The sensor is based on SmalCamera-Cypress-Sensata Autobrite technology. It also has on-chip histogram optimization and sharpness control.
Cliff De Locht, product line manager at Melexis says: "In specific daytime automotive conditions like when sunlight shines directly into the lens, or when driving in or out tunnels or garages, the "Avocet" image sensor is able to give a crisp picture with maximum picture details in the very bright areas of the frame and the dark areas of the frame simultaneously."
The MLX75411 "Avocet" samples are available in 4 versions: monochrome, color RGBG, color RGBi and RCCC.
The Avocet image sensor is 1/3-inch format wide-VGA sensor with a 1024x512 pixels resolution, using 5.6um pixels. It features an extended high dynamic range of up to 154dB in every single frame at a full frame speed of 60fps. The sensor is based on SmalCamera-Cypress-Sensata Autobrite technology. It also has on-chip histogram optimization and sharpness control.
Cliff De Locht, product line manager at Melexis says: "In specific daytime automotive conditions like when sunlight shines directly into the lens, or when driving in or out tunnels or garages, the "Avocet" image sensor is able to give a crisp picture with maximum picture details in the very bright areas of the frame and the dark areas of the frame simultaneously."
The MLX75411 "Avocet" samples are available in 4 versions: monochrome, color RGBG, color RGBi and RCCC.
Intel Capital Invests in Invisage
Business Wire: Intel Capital announced six new investments, QuantumFilm-based image sensor vendor InVisage being one of them.
“These Intel Capital investments represent innovative companies that Intel is working with to help advance our mobile platform initiatives across smart device segments including handheld, tablet and notebook businesses,” said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Ultra Mobile Group. “The investments, coupled with Intel’s expanding set of capabilities in silicon, software and communications, will help the company accelerate plans across a variety of smart devices and market segments.”
InVisage intends to use this funding round - led by Intel Capital - to bring its products and technology into mass production.
Update: Market Wire: Invisage announced that it has received its series C round of venture funding, led by Intel Capital. Intel Capital joins InVisage's existing investors RockPort Capital, InterWest Partners, OnPoint Technologies and Charles River Ventures.
"Image sensors for smart phones and handheld devices are a huge market opportunity and InVisage is well positioned to capture significant market share," says Dave Flanagan, managing director, Intel Capital. "InVisage is the first company in a while to think differently about image sensors and we are confident that its products will lead the imaging market on a new vector of innovation."
"The image sensor industry as a whole has focused entirely on increasing the number of pixels and has failed to see the big picture. As a result, there has been a lack of new ideas in the market for some time," says Jess Lee, CEO, InVisage Technologies. "InVisage's QuantumFilm technology will bring stunning image quality and advanced new features to an industry that is desperate for true innovation."
Initially targeting cameraphone applications, InVisage Technologies' QuantumFilm will be sampling by summer, and could be in devices early next year.
“These Intel Capital investments represent innovative companies that Intel is working with to help advance our mobile platform initiatives across smart device segments including handheld, tablet and notebook businesses,” said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Ultra Mobile Group. “The investments, coupled with Intel’s expanding set of capabilities in silicon, software and communications, will help the company accelerate plans across a variety of smart devices and market segments.”
InVisage intends to use this funding round - led by Intel Capital - to bring its products and technology into mass production.
Update: Market Wire: Invisage announced that it has received its series C round of venture funding, led by Intel Capital. Intel Capital joins InVisage's existing investors RockPort Capital, InterWest Partners, OnPoint Technologies and Charles River Ventures.
"Image sensors for smart phones and handheld devices are a huge market opportunity and InVisage is well positioned to capture significant market share," says Dave Flanagan, managing director, Intel Capital. "InVisage is the first company in a while to think differently about image sensors and we are confident that its products will lead the imaging market on a new vector of innovation."
"The image sensor industry as a whole has focused entirely on increasing the number of pixels and has failed to see the big picture. As a result, there has been a lack of new ideas in the market for some time," says Jess Lee, CEO, InVisage Technologies. "InVisage's QuantumFilm technology will bring stunning image quality and advanced new features to an industry that is desperate for true innovation."
Initially targeting cameraphone applications, InVisage Technologies' QuantumFilm will be sampling by summer, and could be in devices early next year.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
ISDI-cmos Offers Two Image Sensors in One Array
ISDI-cmos is the UK-based company grown out of the UK Research Council funded projects on Active Pixel Sensors: "Multidimensional Integrated Intelligent Imaging" and its continuation. The company aims to supply specialised devices and systems for high-value markets particularly in the scientific, medical and security spheres.
One of the company's products is DUOS - a range of CMOS imagers which act as two independent cameras in a single array. Any rectangular region within the array can be selected dynamically and read out separately from the rest of the array, which can operate at totally different frame rates. DUOS’s flexibility allows:
The distinctive advantage of DUOS over other detectors is that the local reset can be performed only for the region of interest making it possible to have two independent cameras on the same pixel array.
ISDI-cmos is developing a new family of 7.5 um pixel pitch imagers based on the DUOS concept but with support for multiple regions of interest – including arbitrary shapes.
Thanks to NA for sending me the info!
One of the company's products is DUOS - a range of CMOS imagers which act as two independent cameras in a single array. Any rectangular region within the array can be selected dynamically and read out separately from the rest of the array, which can operate at totally different frame rates. DUOS’s flexibility allows:
- Accurate recording of selected highlighted region at high speed to prevent saturation and significantly extend the dynamic range.
- Track a selected object at high speed and of specified size.
- Explore the potential of optimum imaging where small regions of the image are acquired to a specified quality criterion (e.g., signal-to-noise) by only acquiring sufficient frames to meet the local criterion.
- Overall array is 1,024 x 1,024 with 20 um square pixels
- Frame rate 40 fps maximum for full 1K x 1K array(slow mode); for region 64 x 64, in fast mode, up to 10,000 fps. If used as a single array camera, then frame rate up to 80 fps.
- Fully programmable slow/fast regions with resolution down to 4 x 1 pixel blocks.
The distinctive advantage of DUOS over other detectors is that the local reset can be performed only for the region of interest making it possible to have two independent cameras on the same pixel array.
ISDI-cmos is developing a new family of 7.5 um pixel pitch imagers based on the DUOS concept but with support for multiple regions of interest – including arbitrary shapes.
Thanks to NA for sending me the info!
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