CMOS sensors cut camera costs

Agilent Technologies has a new family of colour and monochrome CMOS image sensors.

Agilent Technologies has a new family of colour and monochrome CMOS image sensors.

The smaller sensors, supplied in a 25% smaller and 50% thinner surface-mount package than previous versions, enable the design of compact, lower cost consumer and industrial digital camera solutions.

The Agilent VGA colour image sensors (640 x 480 pixel) are ideal for PC cameras, detachable cameras for mobile phones and PDAs, and for digital still and dual-mode cameras.

The CIF monochrome image sensors (352 x 288 pixel) are excellent choices for biometrics (identifying individual human characteristics such as fingerprints), surveillance and security, machine vision and bar code scanners.

"This introduction significantly enhances our image sensor product portfolio", said Michael Huether, Director of Marketing Europe, Middle East and Africa, Semiconductor Products Europe.

"As the CMOS image sensor market leader, we will continue to apply our IC design expertise and high-volume manufacturing to deliver products that meet the needs of our customers".

Agilent's CMOS image sensors are provided in the new industry-standard 32-pin CLCC (ceramic leadless chip carrier) package.

The package has dimensions of 10.7 x 10.7 x 1.65mm compared with the 13.5 x 14.5 x 3.80mm of the previous Agilent image sensors supplied in the PQFP (plastic quad flat pack) package.

The CLCC package features a flat top and more accurate height placement due to flat pins, making optical adjustment quicker and simpler.

This new package also features enhanced thermal performance assuring operating stability over a wider temperature range.

These CMOS image sensors also offer high sensitivity and a low-noise design for capturing more detailed pictures in a variety of lighting conditions.

The sensors offer an antiblooming feature that prevents the whiteout of images taken with a flash, as well as low power consumption that enables more efficient power management and longer battery life.

The Agilent CMOS image sensors integrate a highly sensitive active pixel photodiode array with timing control and onboard A/D conversion.

These image sensors, when coupled with compatible image processors from either Agilent or selected Agilent partners, provide a complete imaging system to enable rapid end-product development for camera manufacturers.

The Agilent ADCS-1021 (CIF-resolution colour), ADCS-1121 (CIF-resolution monochrome), ADCS-2021 (VGA-resolution colour) and ADCS-2121 (VGA-resolution monochrome) CMOS image sensors are available in production volumes.

(This was Electronicstalk's Top Story on 12 August 2002).

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