Image sensor for smartphones uses de-noise technologies
Combining a 1M pixel, high gain and multi-sampling de-noise with selective conversion gain, the OV40A is the latest image sensor by OmniVision. The company will unveil the sensor at CES and claims that it delivers the best-in-class low light camera performance in the 1/1.7 inch optical format. The sensor also offers multiple high dynamic range (HDR) options for high quality still and video captures. Additionally, it supports 1080p slow motion and high speed video captures at 240 frames per second (fps) with phase detection auto focus.
The OV40A supports high gain of up to 256x, and is embedded with multi-sampling de-noise functionality for enhanced low light performance. Selective conversion gain results in “excellent HDR” says the company, for the optimum balance between low-light image quality and HDR. There is also two- and three-exposure staggered HDR timing. These features provide designers with maximum flexibility to select the best HDR method for the contrasting light and dark areas in a particular scene, explains the company.
The OV40A is based on OmniVision’s PureCel Plus-S stacked die technology. It integrates an on-chip, four-cell colour filter array and hardware remosaic, which provides high quality, 40MP Bayer output in real time. For low light conditions, the sensor can use near-pixel binning to output a 10Mpixel image, as well as 4K2K and 1080p video, with four times the sensitivity for 2.0 micron pixel-equivalent low-light performance. In either case, the OV40A can consistently capture the highest quality images for different resolution video modes through fast mode switch, says OmniVision.
Output formats include 40MP at 30 frames per second, 10Mpixel with four-cell binning at 120 frames per second, 4K2K video at 60 frames per second and 1080p video at 240 frames per second. All of these formats can be captured with phase-detection auto focus. Other features include a CPHY interface, multi-camera sync and a 34.7 degree chief ray angle.
Samples of the new OV40A image sensor are available now.
