SUNNYVALE, Calif.-OmniVision Technologies Inc. continues to shrink electronic technology with it new OmniStar Cam, a miniature camera module compatible with second generation, 2.5G and 3G mobile phones, personal digital assistants and other portable digital devices.
The new device, which is based on OmniVision’s OV6645 CMOS image sensor, consists of a camera chip and lens enclosed in a 12mm x 12mm x 7mm plastic housing. The assembly is mounted on a small flexible circuit, the length and shape of which can be altered to meet the requirements of the user. The housing and flex circuit are both shielded from local sources of electromagnetic interference and any interference potentially generated by the digital camera.
Because the image/video processing and encoding is done on-chip in the analog domain, power requirements are minimal, the company said. Other on-chip circuits include automatic white balance, automatic gain control and automatic exposure control. In addition, one serial control interface allows the designer to efficiently control chip operation, including output configuration, and to control the image itself, including contrast, saturation and hue.
“Our experience designing and developing a wide range of imaging solutions has enabled us to meet the small form factor and very low power demands of this market,” said Bob Stroh, vice president of strategic marketing and business development for OmniVision. “With the OmniStar Cam we have been able to develop a highly integrated and cost-effective solution that we believe will strengthen our position as a leader in producing imaging devices for the OEM market.”
The new OmniVision technology, also touted for its cost-effectiveness, is scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter.
