New OV20880 and OV20880‑4C Sensors Use Second-Generation 1.0‑Micron Pixel Technology For High-Resolution Smartphone Photography and ‘Super Selfies’

BEIJING, China — November 8, 2016 — OMNIVISION Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, today announced the OV20880 and OV20880‑4C, a new family of 20‑megapixel PureCel®Plus‑S stacked-die sensors. Built on OMNIVISION’s second-generation PureCel®Plus 1.0-micron pixel technology, the OV20880 and OV20880‑4C capture stunning, high-resolution images and bring a host of advanced features to rear- and front-facing camera applications.

OMNIVISION’s PureCel®Plus‑S second-generation 1.0‑micron pixel boasts enhancements to deep trench isolation (DTI) and buried color filter array (BCFA) process technologies, enabling the OV20880 and OV20880‑4C to deliver high-quality pictures. The sensors’ compact form factor, power efficiency, and industry-leading image quality make them an excellent fit for slim, high-end smartphones.

The OV20880, designed specifically for main camera applications, offers advanced capabilities such as zig-zag high dynamic range (zHDR) and phase detection autofocus (PDAF). zHDR uses a long and a short exposure in a single frame to extend the dynamic range capabilities of the sensors. Long and short exposure lines are diagonally interlaced across the entire pixel array in a zig-zag pattern. This enables live preview and video recording in HDR mode and single-shot full-resolution HDR images in capture mode without shutter lag.

The OV20880 is also optimized for mobile dual-camera zoom solutions, offering several dual-camera-friendly features such as context switching, scalar, and electronic image stabilization (EIS). The on-chip EIS can synchronize with a gyro sensor on-board without latency, enabling advanced capabilities such as image deblur.

“One of the perpetual challenges in digital imaging is shrinking pixels without sacrificing critical image-quality attributes such as low-light performance, dynamic range, and color reproduction,” said James Liu, senior technical marketing manager at OMNIVISION. “The second-generation 1.0‑micron PureCel®Plus‑S pixel used in the OV20880 series marks another bold step toward putting professional-grade image quality and advanced features into smartphone cameras.”

The OV20880‑4C’s unique color filter pattern offers OMNIVISION’s customers a variety of output modes depending on the use case. The on-chip in-pixel binning feature allows up to four times more light photons than a regular 1.0‑micron pixel. This creates high-sensitivity, high-quality images even in low-light conditions, and allows end users to take clear “super selfies” in a wide range of lighting environments. The OV20880‑4C also pairs well with OMNIVISION’s complete software solution for resolution recovery that enables high-resolution 20‑megapixel selfies when combined with the sensor’s 4‑cell mode.

“Smartphone users are relying more and more on front-facing cameras to shoot high-quality selfies in a wide variety of environments and lighting conditions,” said Arun Jayaseelan, senior product marketing manager at OMNIVISION. “The OV20880‑4C can help deliver great selfies even in dark environments, without compromising resolution.”

Both the OV20880 and OV20880‑4C feature a C‑PHY interface that enables power savings and pin count reduction. The OV20880 and OV20880‑4C can fit into industry-standard, slim form factor modules and integrate well with slim handsets while packing impressive feature sets and 20‑megapixel resolution.

The OV20880 and OV20880‑4C are currently available for sampling and are expected to enter volume production in the first quarter of 2017.