OmniVision Announces New Patented CMOS CameraChips for Mobile Applications

„New Pixel Design Provides CCD Quality and Low Light Sensitivity for Small Form Factor Applications \r\n
\r\nSUNNYVALE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 3, 2002– OmniVision® Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:OVTI – News), a market-leading independent supplier of CMOS CameraChip(TM) solutions for high-volume imaging applications, today announced availability of their OV7640 VGA 640×480 resolution CameraChip(TM) for integration into mobile phones, PDA’s and PC cameras. Utilizing a patented pixel design that improves the color quality and low light performance of the CameraChip, the new OV7640 is designed for integration into mobile handsets where small size, low power and high image quality are required.“;“The new OV7640 CameraChip is approximately 4X’s more sensitive than the OV7635 in low light conditions (1 lux), and provides improved color saturation over its predecessor. Lux is a standardized measurement of ambient light. Low light sensitivity is needed for mobile handset applications where a strobe flash is generally not integrated into cellular handsets due to the power consumption of the strobe. \r\n
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\r\n\“OmniVision has achieved a significant milestone with this new patented pixel technology,\“ stated James He, vice president of Core Technology for OmniVision. \“With the improved color quality and low light performance of the OV7640 CameraChip, mobile handset manufacturers can now have the performance generally believed to be available only in CCD based cameras, with the CMOS advantage of low power consumption and simplicity of design.\“ \r\n
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\r\nUsing OmniVision’s new patented pixel design, the OV7640 is available as a 28 pin PLCC packaged CameraChip and will be released in early 2003 as an integrated flex cable module that incorporates the CameraChip, lens and a custom flex circuit cable. Flex modules designed using the OV7640 will support lower cost, lower profile lenses allowing for integration into smaller form factor devices. The OV7640 CameraChip will replace OmniVision’s current OV7635 CameraChip currently sold in volume to cellular handset manufacturers in Asia, the US and Europe. \r\n
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\r\nWe believe the OV7640 CameraChip is the first image sensing device to operate at 2.5V and it consumes less than 40 mW of power when running at 30 fps (VGA). 2.5V is the internal power voltage generally supplied in cellular handsets. By requiring 2.5V, the OV7640 will demand fewer supporting components compared to competing technologies that require multiple or a higher voltage power supply, thereby reducing integration costs and design complexity. \r\n
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\r\nThe OV7640 CameraChip takes advantage of OmniVision’s proprietary analog processing technology to provide formatted YUV directly from the device. The OV7640 cancels Fixed Pattern Noise (FPN), eliminates smearing, and reduces blooming thereby enhancing the image quality and eliminating the need for additional image processing as is common with competing solutions. The following functions are programmable through an integrated serial SCCB interface: \r\n
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\r\nAuto Exposure control\r\n
\r\nAuto White balance\r\n
\r\nColor saturation\r\n
\r\nWindowing\r\n
\r\nGamma Correction\r\n
\r\nSharpness control\r\n
\r\nHue control \r\n
\r\nThe OV7640 CameraChip is currently available in production volumes. Quantity pricing is below $7.00 US. \r\n
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\r\nAbout OmniVision \r\n
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\r\nOmniVision Technologies, Inc. is an independent CameraChip solutions provider. Utilizing proprietary design technology for its highly integrated still-photo and video camera solutions for high-volume imaging applications, OmniVision integrates multiple image processing and capture functions into a single CameraChip design. With the addition of only a lens, the result is a low-cost CameraChip that consumes less power, has a greater environmental functioning range and has a smaller footprint than typical CMOS multi-chip image sensor solutions. OmniVision’s CameraChip solutions are in cell phones, personal digital assistants, automobiles and industrial machine vision applications, as well as surveillance and biometric security applications. OmniVision is based in Sunnyvale, California. For more information about the company, visit our Website at www.ovt.com. \r\n
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\r\nOmniVision and CameraChip are trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. All other trade, product or service names referenced in this release may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. \r\n
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\r\nSafe Harbor Language \r\n
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\r\nCertain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the characteristics, potential benefits, performance and functionalities of OmniVision’s OV7640 CameraChip and the timing of the release of the flex module which uses the OV7640 CameraChip 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 OV7640 CameraChip; the continued production, manufacturer and development of the OV7640 CameraChip 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 quarterly reports filed on form 10-Q. OmniVision disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward looking statement. \r\n
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\r\nContact: \r\n
\r\n OmniVision Technologies, Inc.\r\n
\r\n Steve Rowley, 408/733-3030 x104\r\n
\r\n press@ovt.com\r\n
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\r\nSource: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.“;0;85;4;“admin“;““;0;““;0;0;0;0;0