OmniVision Starts Volume Production of OV7950 0.01 Lux CMOS Video Camera Chip

April 5, 2006
Company to demo 0.01 lux video for security applications at ISC West Show

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OmniVision Technologies, Inc., a world leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today announced the start of volume production for its OV7950 high-performance advanced CMOS CameraChip(TM) developed specifically for CCTV/video monitoring security systems and automotive applications. OmniVision has already booked volume orders for both security and automotive market customers.

The highly integrated OV7950 VGA CMOS video camera packs a high level of functionality into a 1/4 inch sensor using a single 3.3 volt DC power supply. With OmniVision's advanced technology and advanced pixel architecture, the OV7950 can achieve the same performance level as CCD cameras while being smaller and less expensive. The OV7950 performs exceptionally well in extremely low-light conditions (0.01 lux) and operates in a temperature range from -40 degrees C to 105 degrees C, both of which are important features for the security and automotive markets. The device supports NTSC composite video output and can directly interface with a TV monitor, an in-car LCD screen or any other device with 75 Ohm composite video loading.

A new windowing feature in the OV7950 image sensor allows users to adjust the camera setup by moving the sensitive area of the camera by a few pixels in both the horizontal and vertical directions. This feature is especially useful in fine tuning the viewing window and angle of fixed position cameras.

Other key features of the OV7950 image sensor include a dual dynamic overlay function allowing for both a dynamic and static visual aid layer (text or graphics) within the image. This is very valuable for reference frames and guiding systems in backup and parking assist cameras in automotive applications.

The OV7950 is available in 48-pin QFP and CLCC lead-free packages. Similar to OmniVision's other automotive sensors, the OV7950 is subject to AEC-Q100 reliability criteria.

OmniVision will be offering live 0.01 lux video demonstrations of OV7950 at its booth #12125 at the ISC West Show in Las Vegas, April 5-7, 2006.