|
|
|
Micron Introduces 2 and 3 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensors with DigitalClarity Technology
Semiconductor Leader Continues to Advance CMOS Image Sensor
Quality with Best-in-Class Performance
BOISE, Idaho—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 15, 2003—
Micron Technology, Inc.,(NYSE:MU) today announced the availability
of its 2 megapixel and 3 megapixel DigitalClarity(TM) CMOS products,
designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality image sensors in
digital still cameras (DSCs), digital video cameras and converged
DSC/camcorders. Micron's 2 megapixel (MT9D001) and 3 megapixel
(MT9T001) sensors are the latest additions to the company's
DigitalClarity product line. These 2 and 3 megapixel sensors are
optimized on Micron's advanced low-leakage 0.15 and 0.18 micron DRAM
processes (respectively) to achieve superior image-quality while
maintaining the inherent design-in simplicity, cost and manufacturing
advantages of CMOS technology. To expedite the camera design cycle,
these products are backward compatible with the 1.3 megapixel sensor
(MT9M001) introduced in March 2003.
Micron's new DigitalClarity brand further establishes the
company's breakthrough CMOS technology, now capable of achieving CCD
image quality (based on signal-to-noise ratio and low-light
sensitivity). DigitalClarity image sensors feature several outstanding
characteristics that separate them from the competition, most notably
very low dark current, minimal cross-talk, high sensitivity and low
noise; all contributing to the sensors' best-in-class image quality.
"Micron continues to leverage our state-of-the-art process
technology to raise the bar for CMOS image sensor performance,
providing our customers with sensors producing high resolution images
with brilliant colors and superior low-noise performance," said Shawn
Maloney, Senior Director of Marketing for Micron Imaging. "According
to overwhelming customer response, Micron sensors are the highest
quality CMOS image sensors on the market. Our 30 plus design wins for
DigitalClarity megapixel sensors stand as proof."
The MT9D001 (2 megapixel) DigitalClarity image sensor is a
UXGA-format 1/2-inch CMOS digital image sensor utilizing 4.2 micron
pixels in a Bayer RGB pattern. It incorporates sophisticated
camera-on-chip functions such as windowing, column and row skip
features, and snapshot mode. This 2 megapixel image sensor outputs a
UXGA-size image at a full 20 frames per second (fps). Through advance
process and circuit techniques this sensor is capable of capturing
vibrant images at 1 lux.
The MT9T001 (3 megapixel) DigitalClarity CMOS progressive scan
active pixel sensor is also designed to meet the demands of digital
still and video cameras and converged DSC/camcorders. The sensor
utilizes 3.2 micron pixels in a Bayer RGB pattern resulting in a
1/2-inch optical format. The device has a video binning mode that
combines the signals across the entire 3 megapixel array to produce
XGA or VGA video at 30 fps. This binning of pixels maintains field of
view (FOV) while reducing aliasing artifacts and improving low-light
video performance. The sensor has global pixel reset capability to
initiate an image exposure which can be synchronized with a mechanical
shutter to end the exposure -- an operation which is commonly found in
consumer DSCs today.
The MT9T001's high-speed readout and fast
autoexposure/autofocus/viewfinder mode will allow camera designers to
eliminate two common consumer complaints about DSCs: the delay
between capturing successive images (shot-to-shot delay) and the delay
between the time the image capture button is pressed and when the
image is actually captured (button-lag). The sensor output is 10 bits
RGB at 12 fps and is backward compatible with the Micron 1.3 megapixel
and 2 megapixel sensors allowing existing customers to rapidly upgrade
or new customers to introduce a range of higher-performance cameras
utilizing the same platform.
Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world's leading providers
of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations,
Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, Flash memory, CMOS image
sensors, other semiconductor components and memory modules for use in
leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products.
Micron's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc.,
visit its Web site at www.micron.com.
Micron and DigitalClarity are trademarks of Micron Technology,
Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contact:
Micron Technology, Inc.
Sean Mahoney, 208-368-4400
smahoney@micron.com
http://www.micron.com
|
|
|
