LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST FULLY INTEGRATED 1/4-INCH 2-MEGAPIXEL SENSOR
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — October 3, 2005 — OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), the world’s leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today unveiled the world’s first fully integrated 1/4-inch 2-megapixel CameraChip™, the OV2640. This new sensor is based on OmniVision’s latest 2.2 micron OmniPixel®2 architecture, allowing it to be assembled in the very popular 8 x 8 mm sockets with a building height of about 6.5 mm. This is essentially the same size as today’s standard 1.3 megapixel camera modules, giving mobile handset and device designers, for the first time, the ability to easily upgrade and implement a high volume mainstream 2 megapixel camera solution.
“Most of our competitors are now just releasing their first 1/4-inch 1.3-megapixel sensors, something that we have provided for over 2 years,” said Per Rosdahl, Senior Product Marketing Manager at OmniVision. “We are particularly proud to once again take the lead in camera miniaturization for the mid to high-end segment of the camera phone market.”
The OV2640 takes advantage of the many process and design improvements of the new OmniPixel®2 architecture, including more vibrant color, a zero-gap micro lens structure, an increased fill factor as well as significant improvements in the quantum efficiency and “full well“ capacity resulting in a very small but highly sensitive 2.2 micron pixel.
“We are experiencing very early success with the OV2640 with several design wins already secured,” Rosdahl continued. “We believe the advantages of its size and features make it the clear choice for those customers wanting to take an early lead in the pixel race for mid to high-end camera phones.”
In addition to the benefits of the OmniPixel®2 architecture, OmniVision also integrated an advanced image signal processor called OmniQSP™. OmniQSP™ provides high-grade picture processing and features traditionally only found in digital still cameras (DSC). This advanced imaging processor has become very important as the camera phone continues to evolve from a simple gadget to a full fledged DSC.
The OV2640 is powered with an integrated compression engine, a major benefit to customers because it allows them to use the same camera interface bandwidth as the 1.3 megapixel sensor. Combined with the same form factor as a 1.3 megapixel sensor, customers adopting the OV2640 can easily upgrade their platforms to 2 megapixels without hardware or mechanical changes.
The OV2640 is currently available for general sampling.
Safe-Harbor
Language Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance, achievements and capabilities of OmniPixel®2 and the OV2640 CMOS image sensor, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forwardlooking statements and OmniVision’s results to differ materially, include, without limitation: potential errors, design flaws or other problems with OmniPixel®2 or the OV2640 CMOS image sensor; risks associated with building customer acceptance of and demand for OmniPixel®2; the development of the market for CMOS 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 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.