SUNNYVALE, Calif. — January 9, 2006 — OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), the world’s leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today unveiled an ultra thin VGA camera module. The module solution, based on the new and improved OV7670 VGA sensor, measures just 6 x 6 x 4.1 mm.
“The hottest trend in handset designs is slim and thin,” said Jess Lee, Vice President of the Mainstream Products Business Unit at OmniVision. “Constantly at the forefront of driving this trend, OmniVision was the first to introduce a very small 1.3 megapixel sensor and the first to introduce a ¼-inch, 2 megapixel sensor. Now, we have again pushed the envelope with our OV7670, which reduces the height of camera modules significantly to enable the next wave of ultra slim camera phones.”
Critical in enabling these very thin camera modules is the improved OV7670 CameraChip design. Because the OV7670 is only 1/6 inch square and has a 3.6-micron pixel size, one of the smallest in mass production today, OmniVision and its module partners were able to move to a 2P lens design. This means it uses 2 plastic lenses where other similar module designs use three. Additionally, the OV7670’s unique non-linear micro lens shift technology allows a reduction in the distance between sensor and lens, lowering the module height even further without losing image quality or camera performance.
In addition to addressing the continuous demand for smaller, thinner camera phones, OmniVision believes that the ultra thin module solution may also prove popular in PC notebook applications where the camera module needs to be no thicker than the LCD housing.
The ultra slim module is now available in sample quantities.
Safe-Harbor Language
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance achievements and capabilities of OmniVision’s OV7670 CMOS image sensor, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forward-looking statements and OmniVision’s results to differ materially, include, without limitation: potential errors, design flaws or other problems with the OV7670 VGA CMOS image sensor; risks associated with building customer acceptance of and demand for the OV7670; the development of the market for VGA sensors in the camera phone market as well as in markets for other portable applications incorporating image sensors; the rapid changes in technical requirements for camera phone products; competitive risks; as well as other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision’s most recent annual report filed on Form 10-K and its most recent quarterly report filed on Form 10-Q. OmniVision expressly disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.