14 DAY TRIAL // The new OV8850 CameraChip sensor built by OmniVision Technologies is the world's slimmest 8-megapixel camera module for mobile phones.
The 8-megapixel OV8850 is based on OmniVision's 1.1-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel architecture and allows the addition of autofocus modules that are 20% slimmer than any 8-megapixel module in commercial use today.
According to the manufacturer, the 1.1-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel offers important improvements in power efficiency and image quality, which can easily be compared with to the previous generation 1.4-micron OmniBSI pixel.
Combining the new power efficiency and the image quality features, as well as the small footprint's sensor, the OV8850 becomes an attractive solution for next-generation smartphones and tablets.
“With our new OmniBSI-2 architecture, we have further miniaturized our pixels while delivering a 20% improvement in peak quantum efficiency in all color channels, a 35% improvement in low-light sensitivity and a 45% increase in full-well capacity in an extremely compact and power efficient package,” said Per Rosdahl, senior product manager at OmniVision.
It appears that the new OV8850 sensor can be embedded in an 8.5 x 8.5mm autofocus camera module with a build height of 4.7 mm.
In addition, the OV8850 also features advanced imaging functions, such as an on-chip temperature sensor, two phase lock loops, context switching, and alternate row exposure for high dynamic range (HDR) video and still image capture.
OmniVision also stated that an integrated scaler allows the camera to maintain full field of view in 1080p/30 high-definition (HD) video and preview modes. It also provides additional adjustable resolution for electronic image stabilization (EIS).
The sensor’s 2 x 2 binning functionality provides enhanced 720p/60 HD video recording with EIS, which should greatly reduce digital noise while still keeping the full field of view.
“This 1.1-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel enables the next generation of miniaturization in mobile cameras, and is key to the high-resolution smartphone camera roadmap,” concluded Rosdahl.
While the sampling of the newly announced sensor will begin this month, the mass production is expected only in Q1 2012.