WLCs Becoming Mainstream

Digitimes: Leading CMOS image sensor makers are said to extend their production from CMOS image sensors to WLC (Wafer Level Camera) module production, according to Digitimes sources.

Aptina is able to shrink WLC modules by more than 50% when compared to existing module solutions. The first camera produced by WLC is a VGA-resolution model, the company said. OmniVision and STMicroelectronics are also said to be adopting a similar approach, the sources noted. According to Tessera, a cost reduction of as high as 30% can be seen from WLC production.

Even though WLCs are mostly only capable of meeting demand for entry-level purposes, such as a secondary camera in a handset, they reduce BOM and shorten time-to-market schedule.