May 30, 2001 --- OmniVision Technologies, Inc. has introduced a low-power miniature camera module that is targeted at 2G, 2.5G and 3G mobile phones, PDAs and other portable digital devices. Fully compatible with the ITU-BT.656 digital video standard, the module features the company's OV6645 CMOS image sensor with CIF (352 x 288) resolution, 3-V operation, low power consumption, and a small 12mm x 12mm x 7mm form factor. Sub-sampling down to QCIF (176x144) resolution is also available on-chip.

Packaged in 24-lead LCC, the camera chip housing and flex circuit are completely shielded from local sources of electro-magnetic interference (EMI). In addition, the shielding isolates sensitive circuits from interference generated within the camera itself.

All image/video processing and encoding is implemented on-chip in the analog domain. When processing video at 30 frames per second, current consumption is less than 15 milliamps. In addition, the camera module's standby current rating is less than ten micro amps. Other on-chip features include automatic white balance, gain and exposure control.

Standard digital color output takes place in the YUV 422 color space. YCrCb and raw RGB data are also available by means of simple chip programming over a two-wire serial control interface that also gives designers control over output configuration, as well as contrast, saturation and hue.

The OmniStar Cam module is sampling now, with volume production scheduled for 4Q01. A USB-based evaluation platform is also available that interfaces directly to the new module using a flex circuit connector.