Omnivision Announces Low Cost 5MP BSI Sensor

PR Newswire: OmniVision introduces the OV5645, a 1.4um BSI pixel-based 5MP SOC that targets the cost-sensitive segment of the mobile handset market. As the successor to a popular OV5640, the new low-cost OV5645 has retained only a MIPI port, eliminating both the bandwidth-limited DVP interface and the costly embedded JPEG compressor. With an embedded AF VCM driver, the OV5645 offers further cost savings for manufacturers.

"Industry analysts predict 5-megapixel image sensors will remain highly popular for mobile devices for the next few years. Consequently, there is an increased need for cost-effective 5-megapixel cameras that meet the requirements of mainstream mobile markets," explained Per Rosdahl, senior product marketing manager at OmniVision. "The OV5645 SOC sensor provides handset manufacturers with a fully-featured yet extremely cost-effective solution that delivers the high-quality image capture and HD video currently required in the mainstream handset market. In addition, the OV5645's increased CRA enables ultra-thin camera modules with z-heights of approximately 4 mm, which is a key requirement for many OEMs' future products."

The OV5645 also features a new picture-in-picture (PIP) based on a master/slave configuration where a secondary camera (e.g., one based on the OV7965) can be connected to a master camera (OV5645).

The new OV5645 offers 720p60 or 1080p30 video modes. The 720p HD video is captured in full FOV with 2 x 2 binning. Additionally, a unique post-binning, re-sampling filter function removes zigzag artifacts around slant edges and minimizes spatial artifacts to deliver even sharper, crisper color images.

The OV5645 comes in CSP and RW packaging options and is now available for sampling, with mass production expected to begin in the Q1 2013.