OmniVision Technologies, Inc. announced a 13-megapixel (MP) image sensor for use in high-end smart phones. The company considers the 1/2.6-inch optical format and low 5.2 mm module height to be ideal for slim smartphones, while crediting the light-gathering power of a relatively large 1.25-micron pixel and a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) as the keys to the chip's low-light performance and high frame rates. Phase-detection auto-focus provides quick focusing.
OmniVision Technologies' 13-MP OV13870 image sensor features a relatively large 1.25 micron pixel size for better low-light performance. (Source: OmniVision Technologies) With a 4224 x 3136 (13 MP) active array size, the OV13870 records 1920 x 1080p high-definition (HD) video at 240 frames per second (FPS) for slow motion — quadruple the frame rate of the company's previous-generation 13-MP sensor. The new image sensor also captures ultra-high definition 4K (3840 x 2160) video at 60 FPS, or 1280 x 720p HD video at 300 FPS.
The OV13870 is currently available for sampling, and is expected to enter volume production in the second quarter of 2016.
