Shrinking pixels enable higher resolution cameras

Third-generation pixel design is among the smallest currently available and will deliver sensors with higher resolution, enhanced performance and improved image quality.

OmniVision Technologies has announced its new OmniPixel3 architecture.

Featuring its new 1.75um pixel, OmniVision's third-generation pixel design is among the smallest currently available and will deliver sensors with higher resolution, enhanced performance and improved image quality, all in a smaller form factor.

The OmniPixel3 architecture incorporates several significant technology developments that enable increased pixel density and maximise the performance of the new 1.75um pixel.

The new architecture uses leading-edge design rules in conjunction with a dedicated and proprietary 0.11um CMOS process.

By maximising the efficiency of the photodiode process and pixel design for high full-well capacity, and installing a new low-noise pixel and column sense readout, OmniPixel3 architecture optimises pixel symmetry to avoid colour distortion and offers improved dynamic range of up to 65dB.

The up to 20% improvement in fill factor plus increased sensitivity means more vibrant and truer-to-life colour reproduction.

"Our major challenge as we shrink the pixel size is that we have to shrink the photodiode, the area of the sensor that captures light", says Howard Rhodes, Vice President of Process Engineering at OmniVision.

"As the photodiode shrinks, it becomes increasingly difficult to focus light onto the actual photosensor, which can result in a loss of performance and image quality".

"OmniPixel3's proprietary pixel architecture and aggressive design rules enable us to more effectively focus light onto the photo sensor, allowing the pixels to capture significantly more light and thus make more effective use of the smaller pixel's active area".

"Together with OmniVision's new colour filter array technology and zero-gap micro-lens technology, we believe we have the result of excellent sensitivity and superior crosstalk performance".

"OmniPixel3 architecture aims to meet the critical demands of several fast evolving markets, such as camera phones and laptops, where smaller and thinner features dominate design specifications", says James He, OmniVision's Chief Operating Officer.

"By shrinking the pixel size, OmniVision enables higher resolution cameras for these fast moving markets by improving image quality and maintaining the small form factor requirements for such applications".

"Looking beyond tomorrow, OmniVision continues to invest in the ongoing evolution of consumer driven markets with the development of an even smaller 1.4um architecture already well underway".

Additional process technology optimisations help OmniPixel3 achieve ultralow dark current (30e/s) and low defect density, making this technology ideal for use in low-light and variable light conditions.

Further innovations include a new transfer gate design process and contact technologies that achieve lag-free operation throughout the signal range.

Eliminating readout lag ensures that no "ghost images" or unwanted noise are present in the imaging process.

OmniVision expects to launch the first product based on its OmniPixel3 architecture in the third quarter of 2007.

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