At the 3GSM World Congress today, Micron Technology, Inc. introduced a new line-up of image sensors that create a powerful imaging platform for next-generation camera phones. Micron’s new camera phone sensors were developed using a tiny 1.75-micron pixel design and range in resolution from 5-, 3- and 1.3-megapixel. As the imaging market share leader for handsets, Micron is focused on developing leading-edge sensor innovations and improving the camera phone experience, encouraging new uses and opportunities for the technology.
Just as voice and text-messaging are the mainstream communication methods for today’s handsets, sharing photographs and video via handsets is fast gaining in popularity as the industry produces more advanced devices and mobile service providers offer more sophisticated services. This evolution in mobile communication is driven in part by social factors, but also by advancements in imaging technology. Micron’s technology proficiency in CMOS imaging is enabling consumers to capture high-quality images and high-definition video all from a camera phone.
“Digital imaging is gaining momentum as one of the mainstream applications for handsets because consumers want to visually communicate their life stories and camera phones are helping them do it,” said Bob Gove, vice president of Micron’s imaging group. “Micron’s experience in CMOS imaging is enabling the possibility of having great video and still-picture capabilities combined in a handset. Our image sensors are designed into one-in-three camera phones today, and we’re pleased to expand that imaging repertoire as we work to uncover new and fruitful opportunities for CMOS imaging.”
The new sensors join Micron’s previously announced 8-megapixel image sensor, also developed on the 1.75-micron pixel. Micron leads the industry in shrinking pixels, creating a smaller sensor form factor for today’s razor-thin phone designs, all the while maintaining picture quality. The following are additional key features of Micron’s new CMOS image sensor line-up:
- The 5-megapixel (product number MT9P012) fits into a 1/3.2-inch optical format and captures video at 60 frames per second (fps) at 720p and 30 fps at 1080p for high-definition video capture.
- The 3-megapixel (product number MT9T013) fits into the standard camera phone 1/4-inch optical format and captures VGA video at 30 fps.
- The 1.3-megapixel (product number MT9M113) is a completely integrated camera system on chip and fits into an ultra-tiny 1/11-inch optical format. This sensor also captures VGA video at 30 fps.
Micron is working to make a larger footprint in the world of digital photography. With its focus on bringing new experiences to digital still and video cameras, its CMOS market share leadership in camera phones and its recent acquisition of Lexar, Micron is at the forefront of innovation for today’s digital photography enthusiasts. More information on Micron’s photography revolution for camera phones will be available in its booth at 3GSM (exhibit floor in hall one, space 1H21) and can be found on its website at http://www.micron.com/products/imaging.
Availability
General customer sampling for the 5- and 3-megapixel sensors is planned for the second quarter 2007 and the 1.3-megapixel sensor is expected to sample in late first quarter 2007. Mass production is expected summer 2007.
About Micron
Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, NAND flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components, and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products. Micron’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit www.micron.com.
Micron and the Micron orbit logo are trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the production of the MT9P012, MT9T013 and the MT9V113 CMOS image sensors. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents the Company files on a consolidated basis from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the Company's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause the actual results for the Company on a consolidated basis to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements (see Certain Factors). Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results.
