New CMOS Image Chip

Stella Kao

Say good-bye to conventional ISDN- or network-connected boardroom systems priced at $7000. Say hello to new $200 videoconferencing kits for notebook computers.

The enabling technology comes from ElecVision, Inc., of Taiwan, which has announced a solid array of CMOS image sensors based on its Asynchronous Random Access MOS Image Sensor (ARAMIS) technology. Unlike other single-chip CMOS sensors destined to eclipse traditional CCD sensors, ElecVisi on's solutions are specially redesigned to suit a wide range of innovative digital imaging applications, according to Ray Lin, company president.

ElecVision's CMOS image sensor is as small as a postage stamp and can easily fit into any ultrathin notebook, offering on one chip full-color, high-speed videoconferencing, A/D conversion, and image processing.

"We believe the technology will help raise the demand for real-time live video transmission," says Lin.

The ARAMIS architecture allows the image sensor to randomly access any individual pixel on the chip, essentially increasing the read-out speed and accuracy. This random pixel addressability (similar to common DRAM) provides added flexibility in applications involving image compression, motion detection, or target tracking. In comparison, CCD chips from other vendors must read the entire array of pixels at one time and synchronize the timing of the voltage applied to the electrodes.

Because the new chip has intelligent motion-detection capability, you don't have to supplement it with an image capture card in order to grab moving pictures. Proprietary video/audio compression and communications software that enables 12 to 15 frames of live video per second is included.

The video chip is available in either black-and-white or colo r versions. A range of resolutions, including 176x144, 302x288, and 640x480, is also available. In addition to such immediate potential applications as a "digital camera on a chip," the company says, the new sensors will meet the demand for numerous applications in consumer products, including automated teller machines, mobile phones, and home monitor systems. ElecVision, a fabless semiconductor company, is currently bundling its CMOS design kit with its compression software for a number of computer companies in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Taiwan.

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Where to Find

CMOS Image Sensor

ElecVision, Inc.
Phone:    886-3-579-8602
Fax:      886-3-579-4589
E-mail:   
marketing@elecvision.com.tw


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