Aptina™ A-Pix™ Technology Drives Improved Performance for 14MP Image Sensor

High Speed Solution for Digital Still Cameras With Full High-Definition 1080p/60fps Capability

SAN JOSE, Calif. & COLOGNE, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aptina, the leading innovator of CMOS imaging technology, today announced the newest addition to the company’s growing portfolio of high-performance image sensors. The 14 Megapixel (MP) MT9F002 image sensor integrates the company’s latest Aptina™ A-Pix™ pixel technology, resulting in an increase of nearly 25% in low-light sensitivity (CCD-equivalent), and providing greatly enhanced, high-quality still image capture over the company’s previous 14MP image sensor. The high-speed MT9F002 sensor combines an enhanced 1.4-micron pixel with advanced features, such as electronic image stabilization (EIS), and digital re-sampling. The new sensor also has full HD (1080p/60fps) video capability, and flexible, high-speed interface options, including four-lane HiSPi™ (high-speed serial pixel interface) and parallel or four-lane MIPI®. With these features and capabilities, the MT9F002 solution enables a new generation of hybrid and digital still camera (DSC) products and differentiated mainstream solutions. Aptina’s announcement comes as the Photokina 2010 international tradeshow in Cologne, Germany begins.

“With the enhancements that we’ve integrated into this sensor with our innovative pixel technology, we are providing the performance our customers demand.”

Aptina’s newly improved MT9F002 builds on the success of the company’s MT9F001, the industry’s first CMOS 14MP specifically for point-and-shoot and hybrid cameras. Improvements to both the sensor’s original design and the company’s 1.4-micron pixel demonstrate Aptina’s commitment to rapidly deliver innovations from the lab into customer products.

“The level of performance achieved by this sensor has exceeded our expectations and that of our customers,” says Sandor Barna, Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Camera group at Aptina. “With the enhancements that we’ve integrated into this sensor with our innovative pixel technology, we are providing the performance our customers demand.”

Availability

Aptina’s MT9F002 begins sampling in October in limited quantities. The sensor is available in a 48-pin iLCC package for HiSPi and parallel or bare die for MIPI. Mass production is scheduled for CYQ1 2011.

About Aptina A-Pix Technology

Aptina A-Pix is a series of advanced pixel technologies, featuring lightguide, deep photodiode, and 65 nm pixel design rules that cost-effectively advance pixel performance. Aptina A-Pix enhances quantum efficiency and minimizes crosstalk to capture sharp images with vibrant colors even in the low-light conditions that challenge traditional sensors. Aptina has already shipped millions of imaging products containing earlier generations of Aptina’s reliable and established FSI technology. Aptina A-Pix makes it possible for mobile phone cameras to capture quality images to compete with digital still cameras, and enables a new class of hybrid camera that combines digital still image capture with advanced high-performance HD video. Continuing with this success, Aptina is releasing a wide range of 1.4-micron products to leverage the latest advances in Aptina A-Pix technology. These new additions to the Aptina portfolio range from a high performing 14MP, targeted for DVC and high-end mobile phone handsets, to a 3MP sensor targeted for mainstream mobile handsets. For more information, visit Aptina’s website at http://www.aptina.com/products/technology/aptina_a-pix.jsp

About Aptina

Aptina is a global provider of CMOS imaging solutions with a growing portfolio of products that can be found in all leading mobile phone and notebook computer brands as well as a wide range of products for digital and video cameras, surveillance, medical, automotive and industrial applications, video conferencing, barcode scanners, toys, and gaming. Aptina enables Imaging Everywhere™ and continually drives innovation in the market as seen with the introduction of the first 14MP CMOS image sensor for point-and-shoot and hybrid cameras (MT9F001), and the industry’s first 5MP SOC with ¼” format (MT9P111). Privately held, Aptina’s investors include Riverwood Capital, TPG Capital and Micron Technology. For additional information on Aptina visit www.aptina.com or subscribe to the latest news from Aptina by copying the Aptina RSS feed into your favorite RSS reader.

©2010 Aptina Imaging Corporation. All rights reserved. Information is subject to change without notice. Aptina, A-Pix, the Aptina logo, and Imaging Everywhere are trademarks of Aptina Imaging Corporation. MIPI is a registered trademark of The MIPI Alliance. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.