Chipset produces three classes of cameras

A new 2Mpixel camera kit from STMicroelectronics combines a UXGA image sensor with improved low-light performance and the first USB video-class-compliant three-in-one camera processor.

A new 2Mpixel camera kit from STMicroelectronics combines a UXGA image sensor with improved low-light performance and the first USB video-class-compliant three-in-one camera processor, designed for use in webcams, digital still cameras, and camcorders.

The VC6700 CMOS image sensor produces digital video data at up to 20frame/s at UXGA resolution (2Mpixel).

It provides a cost-, power-, and size-saving alternative to charge coupled device (CCD) sensors, while delivering approximate CCD image quality with superb performance in low light and bright light environments.

The STV0684 digital camera processor, designed to support ST image sensors of 2 to 4Mpixel, is the first USB video-class-compliant trimode processor in the market.

It can be used to implement three different low-cost CMOS camera products: a web camera, a digital still camera (DSC) and a video camera recorder.

Thanks to its USB video-class-compliance, the processor enables webcam operation with no need to install any drivers on the host PC.

The high-quality video output of the new kit is achieved by an optimised combination of functions performed either by the processor or the sensor.

"Compared to other suppliers in the market, ST's strengths lie in maximising the synergies of both parts of the camera chipset", said Marc Vasseur, General Manager of ST's Imaging Division.

"Our sensors are equipped to preprocess the image using dark calibration or defect correction, while the video processor of the STV0684 benefits from the company's latest image-processing developments, such as the patented noise reduction and anti-vignetting algorithms".

"With these technologies, our sensors deliver the superior image quality that increasingly sophisticated consumers now demand from their digital cameras".

The powerful ST20 32bit core of the camera processor provides an opportunity for OEMs to enhance customer experience by designing advanced user interfaces.

This core has become the de-facto standard for digital set-top boxes and other digital consumer appliances and has been used in the Japanese DSC market for over three years.

The core contains an embedded ROM boot-loader for code storage in a cost-effective NAND Flash memory.

Audio capability of the kit is supported by the inclusion of audio record and playback circuitry in the processor, coupled with an onboard audio pre-amplifier, integrated in the image sensor.

The reduced footprint of the processor, shipped in a tiny BGA 12 x 12mm package, enables manufacturers to create digital cameras as small as credit cards.

The chipset, currently available in engineering samples, is supported by a complete reference design, including the sensor and the coprocessor, firmware and software drivers.

The kit is ready for volume production, at a price of US $10 in large quantities.

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