Samsung S5K4H5YB 8Megapixel Imager Now Comes with ISOCELL Pixel

With more and more takers for smartphones and tablets, there is an equal demand for enhanced camera resolution and image quality. But, to achieve this without growing the camera size has been a major challenging task. Sensor technology slowly have progressed pixel technology from FSI (Front Side Illumination) to BSI (Back Side Illumination). Now BSI is also not sufficient as it has its own limitations.

Market studies indicate that more than 66 percent of smartphones will soon feature image sensors with 8Mp or higher resolution.

To meet this challenge, Semiconductor solutions provider Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics has developed ISOCELL the next generation of pixel technology for CMOS image sensors, which is patent pending. Samsung image sensor, the S5K4H5YB 8Megapixel imager will now utilize a 1.12um ISOCELL pixel.

ISOCELL improves the image quality and enhances the user experience of premium smartphones and tablets that integrate sensors with this exciting new technology.

According to the company, this new technology substantially increases light sensitivity and effectively controls the absorption of electrons, offering high color fidelity even in poor lighting conditions.

ISOCELL technology enables more photons to be collected from the micro-lens and absorbed into the correct pixel’s photodiode thereby minimizing undesired electrical crosstalk between pixels. This results in in higher color fidelity to reproduce the original color with sharpness and richness, and expanded full well capacity (FWC) which leads to greater dynamic range.

Moreover, an imager designed with ISOCELL is noted to feature a 20 percent wider chief ray angle (CRA), reducing the height of the camera module. This makes it suitable for slim and small form factor mobile devices with challenging low z-height requirements.

“Through advances in pixel and process technology, smartphone and tablet cameras have made it easier than ever for consumers to capture and share beautiful, clear images with the world,” Taehoon Kim, vice president of System LSI marketing, Samsung Electronics said in a statement.

“ISOCELL technology is yet another innovation that significantly raises the bar in image quality, and demonstrates Samsung’s technology leadership in image sensors for mobile devices,” Kim added.

Samsung is currently sampling its S5K4H5YB to customers with mass production scheduled for Q4 2013.

Recently, Samsung launched its GALAXY Mega, a device that combines the portability and convenience of a smartphone with the power, multi-tasking capabilities and extensive viewing experience of a tablet.