Breakthrough Aptina™ Clarity+™ Technology Raises the Bar for Imaging Performance in New High End Smartphones

Innovative technology delivers 1.4-micron performance in 1.1-micron pixels

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aptina, announced today its newest addition to its portfolio of sensor and imaging technologies--Aptina™ Clarity+™ technology. This new disruptive imaging technology departs from the traditional RGB color filter approach to revolutionize image capture for the mobile market by more than doubling camera sensitivity and dramatically increasing color and detail in low lit scenes. Building on Aptina’s recently announced best-in-class performance 1.1-micron image sensors, Clarity+ imaging technology will further increase performance in these sensors to surpass today’s top 1.4-micron BSI pixel sensors. Further, leveraging Clarity+ technology with future generations of pixels, including 0.9-micron pixels, will power mobile phones to greater than 20-Megapixels.

“Clarity+ technology enables a substantial improvement in picture clarity when capturing images with mobile cameras. While many others have introduced technologies that increase the sensitivity of cameras with clear pixel or other non-Bayer color patterns and processing, Aptina’s Clarity+ technology achieves a doubling of sensitivity, but uniquely without the introduction of annoying imaging artifacts, ” said Bob Gove, President and Chief Technology Officer at Aptina. “This optimized performance is enabled by innovations in the sensor and color filter array design, along with advancements in control and image processing algorithms. Our total system approach to innovation has led prominent OEMs to confirm that Clarity+ technology has clearly succeeded in producing a new level of performance for 1.1um pixel image sensors. We see Clarity+ technology playing a significant role in our future products, with initial products in the Smartphone markets.”

Clarity+ technology builds on 3^rd generation Aptina™ A-PixHS™ technology enhancing image quality even more, resulting in overall performance improvements beyond those achieved with the current industry standard, the 1.4-micron BSI pixel. Additionally, this technology works seamlessly with 4^th generation Aptina™ MobileHDR™ technology, increasing dynamic range for both snapshot and video captures by as much as 24 decibels (dB).

Attempts to advance the standard Bayer pattern, which has been the standard since the 1970s, have not been successful until now. Aptina’s 2000-plus worldwide issued and pending patents reflect the company’s commitment to image sensor technology which has enabled the successful development of this new technology. Aptina Clarity+ technology combines CFA, sensor design and algorithm developments to collectively deliver stunning images. It is fully compatible with today’s standard sub-sampling and defect correction algorithms, which means no visible imaging artifacts are introduced. While BSI technology innovation drove 1.4-micron pixel adoption, Clarity+ technology will drive 1.1-micron pixel adoption into the Smartphone market.

Aptina will incorporate this innovative technology into a complete family of 1.1-micron and 1.4-micron based products addressing both front and rear facing applications. The Aptina AR1231CP 12-megapixel (MP), 1.1-micron mobile image sensor is the first sensor to support Clarity+ technology. This 1/3.2-inch BSI sensor is capable of 12MP resolution at 60fps and supports 4K UHD video at 30fps. The Aptina AR1231CP is now sampling.

About A-PixHS and Clarity+ Technology

A-PixHS technology brings together Aptina’s backside illuminated (BSI) pixel technology that maximizes the efficiency with which the light is captured by inverting the sensor to put the photo sensitive region closer to the lens and by implementing advanced engineering techniques to leverage the speed and sensitivity of the pixel.

Clarity+ technology advances color filter and sensor design along with imaging and control algorithms to provide increased sensitivity and dynamic range.

These technologies advance and increase camera performance while enabling thinner, slimmer mobile devices with higher resolution, and increased performance for high quality still and videos image capture.

About Aptina

Aptina is a global provider of CMOS imaging solutions that enable Imaging Everywhere™. Using performance enhancing technologies like Aptina A-Pix™Aptina A-PixHS™ , DR-Pix™ and Clarity+™, Aptina has created a market-leading portfolio of image sensor products found in leading consumer electronics like smart phones, tablets, laptops, digital and video cameras, as well as applications in surveillance, automotive, medical, video conferencing, and gaming. For additional information on Aptina visit www.aptina.com.

©2013 Aptina Imaging Corporation. All rights reserved. Information is subject to change without notice. Aptina, the Aptina logo, A-PixHS, MobileHDR, Clarity+ and Imaging Everywhere are trademarks of Aptina Imaging Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.