Aptina Imaging announced that recent advancements in its CMOS image sensor technology portfolio will be integrated into an array of new products for the mobile phone, high performance, surveillance and automotive markets. Aptina was created as a separate division of Micron Technology in March of this year, providing the newly branded division with increased flexibility and a pure play imaging pursuit in the CMOS image sensor market. This separation has also provided Aptina with the opportunity to take on new technology challenges such as those recently added to the company's technology portfolio.

Key Milestones in CMOS Imaging

Before becoming Aptina, Micron Imaging achieved key milestones in CMOS image sensors include developing the world's first 2.2-micron pixel architecture, pioneering 1.75-micron pixel architecture and 1.4-micron pixel architecture. As a leader in the mobile market, Micron secured designs in one of every three camera phones on the market. Similarly, the company's high performance technology made them an early industry leader in high-speed image capture, bringing high-definition capabilities to digital still cameras and video cameras like those demonstrated in the super high definition projects for NHK.

Market Focus

Aptina's focus on imaging expertise provides a valuable backdrop to the technology the company is working on to meet the demands of the market, now and for the future. The company provides its customers with a broad range of solutions within mobile, digital still and video cameras, and industry solutions in automotive and security/surveillance. These solutions leverage the technology that Aptina has become known for, including shrinking pixels, improved pixel performance, and innovative technology.

Shrinking Pixels

Shrinking pixels is one of the key components in the technology integral to meeting the demand for higher resolution in consumer devices ranging from high-end mobile phones to point-and-shoot cameras and personal media video recorders. Small devices demand a small form factor which is enabled by the 1.4-micron pixel technology that Aptina announced in March of this year. Aptina's 1.4-micron pixel technology uses a proprietary process that optimizes the amount of light being funneled into the pixel's most sensitive area by focusing on the color filter array, the light guide and the photodiode.

Using this technology, Aptina is able to produce 1.4-micron pixel high resolution image quality that outperforms today's leading-edge 1.75-micron pixels. The pixel is based on Aptina's new 90-nanometer copper process, which not only improves pixel performance but also reduces the physical size of the sensor, meeting the small form factor requirements of consumer devices.

Measurably Improved Pixel Performance

Aptina's 1.4-micron pixel technology lends itself to other imaging solutions and contains elements that enhance or improve the results of larger pixels, including Aptina's 1.75-micron pixel. By applying the 1.4-micron pixel's optimized technology to its 1.75-micron pixel, Aptina has significantly enhanced the 1.75-micron pixel performance. Optical 3-D simulations reveal an increase in light collection and reduced optical crosstalk resulting in an overall increased level of sensitivity of 2X. The technology's optimized light collection capabilities result in higher quality images for the consumer.

Jaya Sinha /ITvoir Network