Samsung Introduces 8.4 MP CMOS Sensor
Samsung launches an 8.4 megapixel CMOS sensor for digital cameras. Samsung Introduces 8.4 MP CMOS Sensor.
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March 28, 2007 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a semiconductors provider, today announced its 8.4 megapixel CMOS sensor. Referred to by the company as the "world’s smallest 8.4 megapixel CMOS sensor," images produced by the new chip are reportedly similar in quality to those produced by a CCD sensor but with less power consumption. The CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) chip will be available by the second half of the year.
Currently used in select digital cameras and camcorders, CMOS sensors have traditionally been overshadowed by CCD (charge-coupled device) sensors, which dominate the camera and camcorder industry. CCD sensors have traditionally been preferred by photographers for their lower noise levels. However, that is beginning to change.
"Since the new CIS only uses one-tenth the power of a CCD image sensor, it should quickly replace CCDs in all three key applications - mobile phones, digital cameras, and camcorders," according to the company's press release.
The Samsung 8.4 megapixel CMOS sensor trumps their current line of 1.3-megapixel to 5-megapixel sensors. With enhanced photo diode technology, it promises to bring an improved signal to noise ratio (SNR), higher light sensitivity and saturation, and enhanced fill factor, according to the release.
The CMOS sensor is one of the five new innovations that Samsung plans to focus on as part of its competitive marketing strategy. Samsung also announced other emerging technology today including a fusion semiconductor, flash-based Solid State Drive, a smart phone semiconductor, and a high resolution LCD for mobile phones.