Micron Mobile Sensor Announcements

Yahoo: At the 3GSM World Congress today, Micron Technology, Inc. introduced a new line-up of image sensors for camera phones. The new camera phone sensors were developed using a tiny 1.75-micron pixel design and range in resolution from 5-, 3- and 1.3-megapixel:

• The 5-megapixel (product number MT9P012) fits into a 1/3.2-inch optical format and captures video at 60 frames per second (fps) at 720p and 30 fps at 1080p for high-definition video capture.

• The 3-megapixel (product number MT9T013) fits into the standard camera phone 1/4-inch optical format and captures VGA video at 30 fps.

• The 1.3-megapixel (product number MT9M113) is a completely integrated camera system on chip and fits into an ultra-tiny 1/11-inch optical format. This sensor also captures VGA video at 30 fps.

General customer sampling for the 5- and 3-megapixel sensors is planned for the second quarter 2007 and the 1.3-megapixel sensor is expected to sample in late first quarter 2007. Mass production is expected summer 2007.

Digitimes: Micron's wireless & mobile product of imaging group director, Vern Klein said the company is currently discussing the use of the sensors with 15-17 handset vendors, including the top-five ranked handset vendors worldwide. Shipments to handset ODMs and OEMs, including Taiwan-based makers, is also expected.

End products that incorporate the new image sensors are expected to hit the market in 2008, Klein added.