Toshiba Launches 13 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor with High Speed Video Technology

Allows Smartphones and Tablets to Record 240 fps Equivalent Full HD Video

Toshiba: "T4K82", a 13-megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor with high speed video technology for smartphones and tablets (Photo: Business Wire)

TOKYO--()--Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced the launch of “T4K82”, a 13-megapixel BSI1 CMOS image sensor that allows smartphones and tablets to record full HD video at 240 equivalent frames per second (fps), the industry’s highest2 frame rate. Sample shipments are scheduled to start in March.

High speed video recording requires a high frame rate with short exposure time, resulting in underexposed images. “T4K82” incorporates “Bright Mode” technology that boosts imaged brightness up to four times, realizing full HD video capture at 240 fps equivalent. The new sensor allows smartphones and tablets to record high quality, high speed video, and to offer extended imaging functions including smooth slow motion playback and high speed continuous shooting.

The sensor also adopts a newly developed low power circuit design that reduces power consumption to 82% that of “T4K37”, a 13-megapixel sensor in mass production3.

About “Bright Mode”
“Bright Mode” technology secures double the exposure time by adopting interlaced4 video output, not the progressive5 output that standard CMOS sensors use. "Bright Mode" also employs charge binning6, which doubles the electrical charge of each pixel, resulting in an image four times brighter than that from a CMOS sensor without "Bright Mode". Toshiba will also provide an interlace-progressive conversion program that enables users to offer high quality progressive video with low image deterioration, without changing the frame rate.

 

Output Frame Rate (Max.)

Sensor output mode
(Output pixels)

 

Normal mode
(Progressive output)

 

Bright mode
(Interlaced output)
(After progressive conversion processing)

13M (4208 x 3120) 30 fps
4K2K (3840 x 2160) 30 fps
Full-HD (1920 ×1080) 120fps 240fps
HD (1280 × 720) 120fps 240fps
WVGA (800 × 480) 240fps 480fps
VGA (640 × 480) 240fps 480fps
QVGA (320 × 240)   480fps   900fps
 

Main Specifications

Part Number   T4K82
Output Pixels 13 megapixels
Optical Size 1/3.07 inch
Pixel Pitch 1.12 micrometer BSI
Recommended Module Size 8.5 mm x 8.5 mm
Sample Price 1,500 Yen
Mass Production Schedule September, 2014
Mass Production Volume   2 million pieces per month
 
Note:
[1]   BSI: Back Side Illumination.
[2] Research by Toshiba, as of February 20, 2014.
[3] Compared with “T4K37”
[4]

Interlaced video system divides frame data into odd horizontal lines in a frame (odd field) and even horizontal lines in a frame (even field), and outputs each field by turns.

[5]

Sequential scan system that outputs data of all pixels in each frame.

[6]

Doubling the electrical charge of the pixel by putting the electrical charge of two pixels together, when the image is downsized by half.

 

For further information about this product, please visit:
http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/info/lookup.jsp?pid=T4K82&lang=en

For further information about “Bright mode”, please visit:
http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/eng/product/sensor/cmos/bright/index.html

Customer Inquiries:
Image Sensor Sales & Marketing Department
Tel: +81-3-3457-3370

Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Contacts

Media Inquiries:
Toshiba Corporation
Semiconductor & Storage Products Company
Takashi Mochizuki, +81-3-3457-4963
semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp

Release Summary

Toshiba launches "T4K82", a 13-megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor that allows smartphones and tablets to record full HD video at 240 fps equivalent, the industry's highest frame rate.

Contacts

Media Inquiries:
Toshiba Corporation
Semiconductor & Storage Products Company
Takashi Mochizuki, +81-3-3457-4963
semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp