SUNNYVALE, Calif. — October 3, 2005 — OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), the world’s leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today announced the availability of its next generation advanced CMOS image sensor developed specifically for automotive applications. The OV7950 is a highly integrated CMOS video camera that packs a high level of functionality.
At only ¼ inch square and using only one 3.3 volt DC power supply, the OV7950 color sensor is ideal for applications requiring a small, low power consumption, high performance video camera. A black and white version (OV7451) is also available. Both devices support NTSC composite video output and can directly interface with an in-car LCD screen or other device with 75 Ohm loading.
“The OV7950 is largely the product of our OV7940 customers’ feedback combined with the latest automotive industry requirements,” said Hasan Gadjali, Vice President of the Advanced Products Business Unit at OmniVision Technologies. “OmniVision made significant technology improvements to make the OV7950 a viable CMOS alternative to CCDs. Because it is smaller, cheaper and meets the performance level of CCD cameras, the OV7950 integrated CMOS camera should offer a compelling and competitive advantage in the automotive market.”
The OV7950 image sensor is particularly well suited to automotive applications because it features a dual dynamic overlay function allowing for both a dynamic and a static visual aid layer (text or graphics) within the image. This is especially useful for reference frames and guiding systems in backup and parking assist cameras for cars and trucks.
A new windowing feature in the OV7950 image sensor allows users to adjust the camera setup by moving the sensitive area of the camera by a few pixels in both the horizontal and vertical direction. This feature is especially useful in fine tuning the viewing window and angle of fixed position cameras, for example cameras mounted in places where there is a chance of obstructed views such as on car bumpers.
Designed specifically for the automotive market, the OV7950 and OV7451 image sensors perform exceptionally well both in low light conditions (< 1 lux) and in a wide temperature range (from -40ºC to 85ºC.) Both the OV7950 and OV7451 will be submitted for full AEC-Q100 certification for automotive applications.
Like its successful predecessor, OV7940, the OV7950 comes in identical 48-pin QFP and CLCC lead-free packages. Samples of the OV7950 are available now. Production ramp up is expected in first quarter of calendar year 2006.
OmniVision will be offering live 0.01 lux video demonstrations of the black and white version of OV7950 at the Ceatec Show, Hall 8, Booth 8C31, at the Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, Japan, October 4-8, 2005.
Safe-Harbor
Language Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance, capabilities and anticipated availability of and markets for OmniVision’s OV7950 CMOS image sensors, and the anticipated competitive advantage of the products, and anticipated demand for products incorporating and markets for those products, 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 OV7950 CMOS image sensor; potential problems with the OV7950 that may result in a delay in its volume production; customer acceptance and demand for the OV7950; and the 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 disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.