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Kodak unveils new camera phone CMOS image sensor
Mark Peters : February 17th 2006 - 19:12 CET
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 Kodak camera phone CMOS image sensor : Kodak continues to expand its portfolio of CMOS image sensors for consumer applications with the release of a new 1.3-megapixel CMOS image sensor targeted at the high-volume camera phone market. The Kodak KAC01301 image sensor expands Kodak’s portfolio of CMOS imagers, which provide manufacturers a range of solutions designed specifically for high-volume markets such as digital cameras and camera phones. The new sensors demonstrates Kodak’s commitment to developing next generation, cost effective CMOS image sensor devices that provide the image quality currently available from CCD image sensors, while taking advantage of the power, integration, and cost benefits associated with CMOS technology.
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 Kodak Camera phone Image Sensors
“As the use of camera phones expands throughout the world, consumers continue to look for product choices that offer increasing levels of image quality and functionality at affordable prices," said Chris McNiffe, General Manager of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solutions group. “With the KAC-01301, we are expanding our portfolio to provide camera phone manufacturers a new, cost effective image sensor with outstanding image quality and performance for the 1.3-megapixel product tier. Kodak remains committed to developing and offering a comprehensive portfolio of CMOS image sensors for high-volume consumer markets such as camera phones, leveraging the technological innovation and advancement for which Kodak is well known.”
Kodak KAC-01301 CMOS Image Sensor
The Kodak KAC-01301 was optimized specifically to enable cost-effective designs in next-generation mobile phones. With the rapid growth of imaging enabled phones, designers of mobile baseband and graphics processors are integrating basic image processing functions into the core components of the phone's design. The KAC-01301 leverages this architecture by outputting raw, unprocessed data, thereby reducing the sensor’s overall size and cost. In addition, the extremely wide optical chief ray acceptance angle of the KAC-01301 enables construction of imaging modules with very low profiles, supporting the continuing trend toward smaller components within mobile devices.
Kodak Pixelux technology - CMOS image sensors
Key to the design of the new image sensor is the use of Kodak Pixelux technology, an architecture that uses low dark current pinned photodiodes and a four-transistor (4T) shared pixel structure to enable the manufacture of CMOS image sensors that approach the size of the smallest CCD pixels offered today, while providing improved photosensitivity and lower noise compared to standard CMOS image sensors. The shared pixel architecture inherent in this technology also allows for charge-domain binning of multiple pixels on the imaging array, enabling operating modes with increased sensitivity for low light image and video capture. This new product joins two existing Kodak image sensors designed for the consumer image device market that also leverage Pixelux technology; a 3.1-megapixel image sensor designed for camera phone applications requiring high resolution and outstanding imaging performance and the Kodak KAC-5000, a 5-megapixel image sensor targeted at the digital still camera and digital video applications.
Next generation platform for small-pixel CMOS image sensors
In addition to expanding its existing family of products, Kodak continues the development of its next generation platform for small-pixel CMOS image sensors, based on the continuing evolution of Kodak’s pixel architecture, as well as new system-on-chip components which can be integrated into these devices. These advances will allow designers to more broadly leverage the benefits of CMOS technology through a new class of small-pixel imaging devices designed for consumer applications. Image sensors based on these new platforms are expected to begin sampling in the first half of 2006.
Kodak KAC-01301 Image Sensor - Availability
The KAC-01301 image sensor is expected to sample in Q2 of 2006 and is the latest addition to Kodak’s extensive and growing line of image sensors, delivering the core technology that drives the most advanced developments in digital imaging applications. A pioneer in image sensors, Kodak develops, manufactures and markets both CCD and CMOS image sensors for applications ranging from satellite and medical imaging applications to digital cameras and machine vision.
About Eastman Kodak Company
Kodak is the world’s foremost imaging innovator, providing leading products and services to the photographic, graphic communications and healthcare markets. With sales of $14.3 billion in 2005, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak’s system of digital and traditional image capture products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; Businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using Kodak solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; Creative Professionals rely on Kodak technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images; and leading Healthcare organizations rely on Kodak’s innovative products, services and customized workflow solutions to help improve patient care and maximize efficiency and information sharing within and across their enterprise.
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