Samsung’s intros 16Mp CMOS image sensor

Samsung Mobile Solutions Forum 2011, TAIPEI, TAIWAN: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd has announced its new 1/2.3-inch 16 Megapixel (Mp) CMOS image sensor - the S5K2P1 - with Samsung’s advanced 1.34 micrometer (um) backside illumination (BSI) pixel technology.

This 16Mp resolution imager is designed for high-performance, advanced smartphones as well as digital still cameras and camcorders. Samsung unveiled its new imager technology, including the S5K2P1, at the eighth annual Samsung Mobile Solutions Forum held at the Westin Taipei.

“As the adoption rate of CMOS image sensors in the digital still camera market increases, market demand for imagers such as the S5K2P1, which provides clear and fast video, is expected to grow in 2012,” said Dojun Rhee, VP of System LSI marketing, Device Solutions, Samsung Electronics. “Introducing advanced high-resolution imagers based on BSI pixel technology supports further adoption of Samsung CMOS imagers to compact digital camera and camcorder applications.”

Samsung’s S5K2P1 is an image sensor optimized for compact mobile CE devices, with excellent image quality in video mode. Supporting multiple interfaces, this image sensor is also suited for premium smartphones. The S5K2P1 sensor supports a native 16:9 format video at up to 8.3Mp resolution at 60 frames per second and maximum 16 Megapixel-resolution for point-and-shoot images at 30 frames per second without shutter lag effect.

Using Samsung’s advanced 1.34um BSI pixel technology, the S5K2P1 delivers excellent sensitivity and low-noise performances. The S5K2P1 also provides brighter and more vivid pictures even at night and dark indoor conditions.

According to market research firm TSR (Techno System Research), the digital still camera market is expected to reach 154 million units in 2012 where a substantial portion of up to 48.2 percent is forecast to be adoption of CMOS image sensors as the main sensor device.

Samsung’s S5K2P1 image sensor is currently sampling to select customers. Mass production for this imager is scheduled for November 2011.