CMOS image sensor has VGA resolution

The LUPA-300 sensor features a high frame rate, a triggered and pipelined synchronous shutter, and x- and y-windowing capability that delivers undistorted images and fast readout.

Cypress Semiconductor has begun sampling its new LUPA-300 low-cost, high-speed VGA resolution CMOS image sensor.

Developed for machine vision and motion analysis applications, the LUPA-300 sensor features a high frame rate, a triggered and pipelined synchronous shutter, and x- and y-windowing capability that delivers undistorted images and fast readout.

The LUPA-300 features a fully synchronous snapshot shutter, making it possible to read one image while the next is being acquired and to capture moving objects without distortion.

A multiple windowing feature enables the user to read out only regions of interest in the image, increasing the effective frame rate.

It also features a multiple slope capability to capture scenes with a high contrast ratio without saturating the bright areas, and maintaining good contrast in shadowed regions.

"With an exceptionally fast frame rate, snapshot shutter and windowing capability, the LUPA-300 brings high-speed image acquisition to machine vision and motion analysis applications, while dramatically enhancing image quality and performance", said Lou Hermans, Senior Marketing Director at Cypress.

"The addition of this new image sensor enhances Cypress's image sensor product portfolio, providing camera manufacturers and OEM's a wide range of imaging solutions to help them meet the varied needs of their end-users".

The low-power VGA image sensor's pixels have been designed for high sensitivity and low parasitic light sensitivity and feature an active pixel array format of 640 x 480 pixels with 9.9um2 pixel size.

The intra-scene dynamic range can be increased by using the flexible multiple slope operation mode.

Operating at 250frame/s, the LUPA-300 features a 10bit on-chip analogue-to-digital convertor (ADC) for digital output and on-chip timing control for easy application development.

The image sensor is available in both monochrome and RGB and was developed at Cypress's Mechelen, Belgium facility.

Typical applications for Cypress's new LUPA-300 image sensor include motion analysis, robotics, tracking, industrial inspection and metrology.

Cypress's broad CMOS image sensor portfolio spans both the high-end and consumer mass markets.

Cypress delivers high-performance sensors for custom and high-end digital photography; ultra-high-speed imaging solutions for automotive safety, machine vision and motion analysis; and consumer-oriented solutions for ultraslim digital still cameras, single-use cameras and camera-enabled mobile devices.

CMOS image sensors complement Cypress's technology and market strengths.

The sensors expand Cypress's existing presence in digital still cameras, where it sells a broad array of timing solutions; in the automotive sector, where it sells configurable microcontrollers and memories; and in mobile phones where it is a leader in low-power memories.

Samples of the LUPA-300 are available now with full production expected in the fourth quarter of 2005.

The device is priced at approximately $50.

An evaluation kit for the LUPA-300 will be available in the third quarter of 2005.

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