OmniVision Technologies launched its sixth generation 1.3 megapixel CameraChip sensor. Featuring a 2-micron pixel and 1/5-inch optical format, the OV9660 enables a 25 percent thinner camera module, meeting the requirements of ultra slim handset designs. Additionally, the smaller module size is especially attractive to handset makers because it allows a drop-in upgrade from VGA to 1.3 megapixels, thereby extending the life of existing VGA camera phone designs.

"Handset makers continue to design thinner and more compact camera phones to support consumer demand for ultra-slim handsets," said Jess Lee, Vice President for Mainstream Products at OmniVision. "Bringing our proven OmniPixel2 technology to market in the industry's smallest format gives handset designers more options for camera placement, opening up even more possibilities for small form factor camera phone designs."

The OV9660 offers a one-fifth inch optical format and a 6 x 6 x 4.0 mm module size, which is currently the smallest available for 1.3 megapixel cameras and identical to most VGA camera modules. It is a low-voltage CMOS sensor with the full functionality of a single-chip SXGA (1280 x 1024) camera and image processor. OmniPixel2's unique pixel architecture significantly increases signal-to-noise ratio enabling the OV9660 to perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions.

The OV9660 provides full-frame, sub-sampled, scaled or windowed 8-bit/10-bit images in a wide range of formats controlled through a serial camera control bus (SCCB) interface. All required image processing functions including exposure control, gamma, white balance, color saturation, hue control, white pixel canceling and noise canceling are programmable through the SCCB interface. The introduction of the OV9660 now allows these ultra portable laptop makers to upgrade to 1.3 megapixel cameras without the need for a costly system redesign.