Omnivision launches 5-megapixel OMNIBSI-2 image sensor for slimmer tablets and smart phones

The new 1.4- micron backside illumination pixel allows for a full five megapixels in a ¼-inch optical format, and combines best-in-class image quality with a 20 percent reduction in camera module height, making it an effective solution for slimmer mobile handsets, smart phones and tablet computers.

“With industry sources placing 5-megapixel CMOS image sensors at more than 15 percent of the overall
sensor market today, we view 5-megapixel sensors as occupying as a sweet spot in the market,” said Per
Rosdahl, product marketing manager at OmniVision. “Some industry analysts believe that market share
may exceed 30 percent by 20141 driven by the demand for higher performance resolution and
increasingly slim mobile handsets, smart phone and tablet designs. With the OV5690 CameraChip™,
OmniVision brings a highly competitive, no-compromise solution to market, combining best-in-class
performance while enabling extremely thin building height.”

Based on OmniVision’s efficient second-generation OmniBSI-2 technology, the OV5690 delivers
advanced features including 1080p high definition (HD) video recording at 30 frames per second, an
integrated scaler, and 2 x 2 binning functionality with re-sampling filter. The scaler enables electronic
image stabilization, while maintaining full field of view in 720p and 1080p HD video modes, and allows
for HD video with digital video zoom functionality. The OV5690’s post-binning re-sampling filter
minimizes spatial artifacts and removes image artifacts around edges, producing clean, crisp color images
for 720p/60 HD video in binning mode.

The sensor features a standard 2-lane (1 Gbps/lane) MIPI/LVDS interface, and fits into the industry
standard 8.5 x 8.5 mm module size with a z-height below 5 mm, or approximately 20 percent lower
than existing industry-leading 1/3.2-inch 5-megapixel image sensors.
The OV5690 is currently being sampled by key customers and mass production is expected to begin
in the second half of 2011.