Aptina Intros New Image Signal Processor Companion Chip

Aptina Imaging, a provider of CMOS sensors, has launched a new image signal processor (ISP) companion chip, MT9S311. The new ISP chip is specifically designed to provide compatibility with the company’s own 5-megapixel (MT9P001, MT9P012) image sensors.

 

Aptina MT9S311 companion chip incorporates serial (MIPI/CCP2) and parallel interfaces (input and output) that can enable high-definition (HD) video including 720 pixel and 1080 pixel in YUV422 or YUV420 format for videos, previews on advanced Web cam and security monitoring applications.

 

Aptina MT9S311 companion chip features image processing engine that provides on-the-fly image correction and enhancement. It also facilitates on-chip JPEG compression and as well as a programmable image overlay with xenon and LED flash support.

 

Combining MT9S311 with an Aptina 5-megapixel sensor like the MT9P001 and the newly released MT9P014, system manufacturers can capture sharp details as in highly optimized cameras, which are similar to SoC-based image sensors. They can be used for a range of applications such as surveillance cameras, camera phones, PC cameras, and digital video recorders.

 

Mansour Behrooz, segment marketing director of New Markets, said, “SOC-like configuration of the MT9S311 and Aptina’s high performance 5MP sensors removes compatibility and performance concerns when using third party ISPs. Optimized ISP/sensor operation coupled with Aptina’s imaging expertise significantly reduce camera development cycle time.”

 

The user integrating the ISP companion chip as a standalone SOC can benefit from Aptina’s recommended settings and expertise (with compatible sensors), thereby saving valuable time and as well benefit from reduced time to market.

 

Aptina officials said that the MT9S311 ISP companion chip is a good match with the company’s 5-megapixel MT9P001, which can provide users with a sensor/ISP combination which requires less testing and sensor adjustments to complete the final product design.

 

According to Aptina, the production of MT9S311 SIP chips is expected to start by September 1, 2008. 

 

Aptina, a division of Micron Technology (News - Alert), is a provider of 2, 3 and 5 mega-pixel CMOS image sensors. The company’s CMOS sensors bring high-quality picture and video capabilities to mobile phones, digital still cameras, personal media video recorders, security and surveillance cameras, PC cameras, automotive applications, and more.

 

Micron Technology is a provider of advanced semiconductor solutions. The company manufactures and markets DRAMs, NAND flash memory, and other semiconductor components, and memory modules that are used in advanced computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products.