Nov 11 2009
Aptina™ A-Pix Technology Advancements Drive New 1.4-Micron High-End Camera Sensor
Aptina announced today the launch of the MT9F001 camera image sensor, the latest addition to its extensive portfolio of high performance image sensor solutions. The sensor’s high resolution, high speed snapshot and HD video modes, flexible interface and pre-processing options reflect the new “must have” features manufacturers are looking for in their premier cameras. The new 14-megapixel camera sensor captures high quality, full HD video (1080p/60fps) while also enabling valuable end-user features manufacturers are seeking for their high performance designs including support for Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). The MT9F001 image sensor incorporates Aptina’s most advanced 1.4-micron pixel using AptinaTM A-Pix technology and a four-lane HiSPiTM (High Speed Serial Pixel Interface) serial data interface to achieve the combination of still image quality and video performance that set it apart from CCD technology.
Early customer response to the MT9F001 has been positive. “We are impressed by the performance advancement the MT9F001 sensor represents, both in terms of image quality and in high definition video capability,” said Mr. Toshinobu Haruki, General Manager in the DI Division at SANYO, a leading supplier of hybrid cameras that couple high resolution still capture with high quality video capture. “Aptina is clearly focused on continuous improvement to meet the severe demands of the consumer digital camera market,” adds Haruki.
The Right Solution
Aptina™ A-Pix technology overcomes the challenge of effective photon collection in the photodiodes that small pixels present when using conventional front side illumination (FSI). The result achieved with Aptina’s technology is BSI-equivalent sensitivity, but with less crosstalk for lower noise and more accurate color reproduction. When considering such critical performance parameters such as sensitivity, cross-talk, hot pixel count, and manufacturability, Aptina’s MT9F001 technology is the right solution for high performance digital consumer camera products.
“The MT9F001 is a unique image sensor combining a smaller pixel and increased performance,” says Sandor Barna, General Manager for Aptina’s Camera Business Unit. “This sensor puts into practice Aptina’s latest technology, including Aptina™ A-Pix which maximizes the light gathering of each pixel.”
High Speed
The MT9F001 incorporates Aptina’s HiSPiTM interface technology which was developed and is owned by Aptina. It is an open access, scalable technology that enables 1080p/60fps performance (and beyond) and has been adopted by a growing number of Aptina Tier 1 business partners to meet the challenges of high speed, low power consumption data transfer. HiSPiTM technology provides distinct benefits for users including open access to a performance focused interface, the ability to support 1080p/60fps today, and the scalability to accommodate higher data rates for the future.
The MT9F001 will be in mass production in Q1 2010.