Next-gen 8-MP smartphone image sensor enables full-resolution imaging

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. announced the OV08B — the latest generation of its 1.12 micron, 8 megapixel (MP) image sensor family, designed for the broad smartphone camera markets. This new image sensor supports mainstream selfie imaging, as well as multicamera configurations.

“The 1/4 inch 8 MP sensor category continues to see tremendous volume opportunities in the mainstream mobile phone camera market. In addition to selfie cameras, we are also expecting to see these sensors being deployed in multiple-camera configurations, enabling features such as optical telephoto zoom and ultrawide-angle cameras. The multiple-camera configuration is fast becoming a standard requirement in everything from entry-level to high-end smartphones,” said James Liu, product marketing manager at OmniVision. “The OV08B provides the best combination of performance, features, cost and power consumption in a 1/4 inch optical format, and is an ideal option for customers upgrading from 5 MP image sensors.”

Built on backside-illumination pixel technology, the OV08B features 1.12 micron pixels in a 1/4 inch optical format, providing a compact size that enables 5.1 x 6.5mm fixed-focus modules for front-facing cameras. Placing pads on the top and bottom of the sensor also reduced its X dimension, enabling narrow-bezel designs and 4:3 aspect ratios.

The OV08B supports full 8 MP resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) using either two or four MIPI lanes, which provides maximum design flexibility for multicamera configurations. Other output options include high definition video of 1080p at 60 fps and 720p at 90 fps. The OV08B also offers Bayer imaging and a 4-cell binning capability for better low-light video performance.

Samples are expected to be available in April. Contact your OmniVision sales representative for more information: www.ovt.com/contact-sales.