STMicro CMOS sensor suit USB-enabled digital cameras

The VV600 1.3 million pixel CMOS sensor from STMicroelectronics features a 10-wire data interface and is capable of operating at 15fps in SXGA (1,280x1,024) mode or 30fps in VGA (640x480) mode for preview on an LC or a PC via USB streaming.

Positioned for the low-cost digital still camera and camcorder markets, the sensor is manufactured using the company's 0.355m CMOS process and can operate either from a single USB supply voltage of 4V to 5.5V or from a 3V to 3.6V regulated voltage.

In addition, the sensor integrates on-chip voltage regulators that can be used to power other components in the application.

"The VV6600 sensor provides a real alternative to CCD devices by allowing OEMs to simplify their design, to lower their BOM costs and to reduce power consumption and size without compromising on image quality, particularly in low-light conditions," commented Marc Vasseur, General Manager of ST's Imaging Division.

The read-out mode of the sensor allows native pan and tilt as well as addressing programmable VGA windows of interest. Also integrated are an on-chip optical black level calibration and a new-patented mode that minimizes the vertical fixed pattern noise.

The VV6600C001 is available in a ceramic LCC48 package and is sampling now. An evaluation kit based on a PCI interface including hardware and software is also available.