New 16Mp sensor enables the creation of thinner mobile devices
Samsung Electronics has announced the industry’s first 1.0μm-pixel-based 16 megapixel CMOS image sensor for use in advanced mobile devices.
The new image sensor, the S5K3P3, uses the company’s proprietary ISOCELL technology to enable the high performance 1.0μm pixels. This small pixel size minimises the overall size and height of an image sensor module, which means Samsung will be able to create thinner mobile devices with good cameras.
Built with 1.0μm pixels, Samsung’s new 16Mp image sensor reduces the module’s overall height by 20%, compared to current 1.12μm pixel based 16Mp sensor modules. Enabling a module height that is less than 5mm, the S5K3P3 offers designers the ability to develop a mobile device with minimal camera protrusion without compromising on resolution.
“As a trendsetter in the mobile image sensor business, we are pleased to be the first to deliver the most advanced 1.0μm pixel imager, which meets both high resolution and slim design requirements for smartphone cameras,” said Kyushik Hong, vice president and head of S.LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. “Starting with 16Mp sensor, Samsung plans to further expand the 1 .0μm pixel product category and lead the image sensor market for high performing slim mobile devices.”
In addition, the S5K3P3 takes advantage of Samsung’s ISOCELL technology to deliver image quality that is on par with 1.12μm-pixel based image sensors. Using ISOCELL technology dramatically reduces colour crosstalk of neighbouring pixels by adding physical barriers between each pixel. This substantially increases light sensitivity and effectively controls the collection of photons, resulting in higher colour fidelity even in poor lighting conditions.
Combining ISOCELL technology with the industry’s smallest 1.0μm pixels, the new S5K3P3 image sensor will provide manufacturers with a differentiated design option.
Samsung’s new S5K3P3 image sensor is available today for mobile device manufacturers to design into their next-generation products.
