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STMicroelectronics Releases Advanced 2 Mega-Pixel Tri-Mode Camera Kit | | |
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 Geneva,
November 18, 2004 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader
in CMOS image sensor technology, today announced immediate availability
of its latest two mega-pixel tri-mode USB camera. The kit presents an
unparallel combination of ST's UXGA (Ultra eXtended Graphic Array) image
sensor with improved low-light performance and the first USB (Universal
Serial Bus) video-class-compliant three-in-one camera processor, designed
for use in webcams, digital still cameras, and camcorders.The VC6700 CMOS Image Sensor produces digital video data at up to 20 fps at UXGA resolution (2 Mpixel). It provides a cost-, power-, and size-saving alternative to Charge Coupled Device (CCD) sensors, while delivering approximate CCD image quality with superb performance in low light and bright light environments. The STV0684 Digital Camera Processor, designed to support ST image sensors of 2 to 4 mega-pixels, is the first USB video-class-compliant tri-mode processor in the market. It can be used to implement three different low-cost CMOS camera products: a web camera, a digital still camera (DSC), and a video camera recorder. Thanks to its USB video-class-compliance, the processor enables webcam operation with no need to install any drivers on the host PC. The high-quality video output of the new kit is achieved by an optimized combination of functions performed either by the processor or the sensor. "Compared to other suppliers in the market, ST's strengths lie in maximizing the synergies of both parts of the camera chipset," said Marc Vasseur, General Manager of STīs Imaging Division. "Our sensors are equipped to preprocess the image using dark calibration or defect correction, while the video processor of the STV0684 benefits from the Company's latest image-processing developments, such as the patented Noise Reduction and Anti-vignetting algorithms. With these technologies, our sensors deliver the superior image quality that increasingly sophisticated consumers now demand from their digital cameras." The powerful ST20 32-bit core of the camera processor provides an opportunity for OEMs to enhance customer experience by designing advanced user interfaces. This core has become the de-facto standard for digital set-top boxes and other digital consumer appliances and has been used in the Japanese DSC market for over three years. The core contains an embedded ROM boot-loader for code storage in a cost-effective NAND flash memory. Audio capability of the kit is supported by the inclusion of audio record and playback circuitry in the processor, coupled with an on-board audio pre-amplifier, integrated in the image sensor. The reduced footprint of the processor, shipped in a tiny BGA 12 x 12 mm package, enables manufacturers to create digital cameras as small as credit cards. The chipset, currently available in engineering samples, is supported by a complete reference design, including the sensor and the co-processor, firmware and software drivers. The kit is ready for volume production, at a price of US$10 in large quantities. For further information on ST's complete range of CMOS imaging products About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2003, the Company's net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. |
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