Sharp sets new benchmarks in CCD technology

Hamburg, December 08, 2006 – With the introduction of the new 5 MP CCD camera module (LZ0P3770) for mobile phones and handheld devices Sharp presents the industry’s first solution including authentic camera features such as optical 3x linear zoom, mechanical shutter and auto-focus.

In addition to employing a high-resolution 5 MP CCD, the optical 3x linear zoom allows freely magnifying a motive while maintaining high image quality, whereas the auto-focus ensures automatic adjustment of the focus. In addition, the mechanical shutter reduces the occurrence of smear, giving the module a higher function equivalent to a digital still camera. Furthermore, high image quality is also reached by employing a high refractive index hybrid lens that combines glass and plastic. Through Sharp's original high-density mounting technology, a compact CCD camera module with a form factor of only 5.4 cm³ and 21.7 mm height was developed, that easily integrates into mobile phones and other handheld devices. With the new module, Sharp offers a cost effective system solution meeting the rapidly growing demand for camera features installed to a mobile phone to be similar to digital cameras.

To address the market of digital still cameras, Sharp has also developed two industry-leading, small-sized CCD sensors (RJ21Y3BA0ET / RJ21Y3DA0ET) with 12 million pixels at 1/1.7-type optical format.

The new CCD sensors adopt original Sharp's fine processing technology and pixel cell contraction technology. With the industry’s currently smallest pixel cell size of 1.88 µm square a high density of 12 million pixels is realized which is equivalent to the number of pixels found in a digital SLR (single-lens-reflex) camera. This resolution enables high-precision photo printing even in A3 format. In addition, the RJ21Y3DA0ET adopts Sharp's original 4-pixel mixing technology which makes it possible to capture images in 3 million pixels with sensitivity 4-times higher than normal. Consequently, the CCD sensor is capable delivering fine images despite camera shaking or quick-moving objects.

For easy design-in, Sharp has also integrated the LSIs required for digital cameras combining the CCD, CCD peripheral IC and DSP. The high integration level not only contributes to increased digital camera resolution but furthermore reduces development time and costs for the whole system. With the new 12 MP sensors Sharp precisely meets the changing requirements of the digital camera market which is determined by a growing need for higher resolution of easy-handling compact type cameras, while the prices of digital SLR (single-lens reflex type) cameras have been decreasing.

Specifications

5 MP CCD camera module LZ0P3770:

12 MP CCD Sensors

About Sharp Microelectronics Europe
Sharp Microelectronics Europe, Hamburg, Germany, is a divisional company of Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH, which is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Sharp is a worldwide developer of core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of electronic products for consumer and business needs. Sharp Microelectronics Europe offers groundbreaking solutions in the areas of memory products, LCD, Opto Components, CCD, RF/IR, IC and LSI components, along with packaging and integration skills that help design engineers throughout Europe to bring their ambitious ideas to market. Sharp Microelectronics Europe is dedicated to improving people’s lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design.
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responsible:
Sharp Microelectronics Europe          
Ralf Schäfer
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Phone: +49 (040)/2376-2487
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