Photobit to Supply CMOS Image Sensors to Logitech

CMOS image sensor manufacturer Photobit Corp. (Pasadena, CA) has signed an agreement with N/A Corp. (Fremont, CA) to manufacture CIF-resolution (352 x 288) complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors in Logitech's Internet video cameras. The supplier agreement represents a technology shift for Logitech, which originally included charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors in its products.

The PB-0100 combines all camera functions onto a single piece of silicon. Based on CMOS technology, the chip can be made using the same manufacturing processes as standard memory modules and CPUs. Designed for video conferencing applications, the chip is also suited to small-format applications such as video cell phones, biometrics (fingerprinting), hand-held scanners, hand-held interactive appliances, and children's products. The 1/5-in. device outputs color or monochrome full-frame 8-bit digital video at up to 39 frames per second. Features include electronic pan, tilt and zoom; auto-exposure, with manual override; and full programmability via a simple digital serial interface.

CCDs have begun to be replaced by CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) image sensors, for several reasons (see CMOS Imagers Challenge CCDs). First, CMOS sensors draw much less power than CCDs, allowing end products to run longer on batteries, which is a major advantage in hand-held applications such as personal data assistants (PDAs) and video cell phones.

Second, CMOS sensors use the same manufacturing platform as most microprocessors and memory chips, making them easier to produce and more cost-effective. Third, by combining all camera functions on-chip—from the capture of photons to the output of digital bits—CMOS image sensors reduce the part count in end products, which in turn enhances reliability, facilitates miniaturization, and allows on-chip programming of frame size, windowing, exposure, and other camera parameters.