Advanced CMOS Imaging Technology from Motorola Portends Lower-Cost Digital Cameras and Scanners.

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 1998--Portable products, such as digital cameras and camcorders, and office products like fax machines, PC cameras and scanners can now use advanced CMOS imaging technology to reduce manufacturing expense and boost consumer appeal.

To service the consumer and SOHO markets, Motorola has announced a family of imaging products -- one of which is the world's first tri-linear CMOS image sensor with an on-chip digital signal processing engine.

In part 1 of a multi-phase rollout, Motorola has introduced nine circuits including image sensors, image-capture engines, and analog chips that support both CCD and CMOS based image-system designs. One chip, a 300-dpi tri-linear image sensor/capture engine, integrates the photo sensor, timing control, analog-processing chain, 10-bit A/D conversion, and I2C serial port programming control.

The high integration allows one chip to replace as many as four parts typically required in systems using CCD sensors. Primary applications include scanners, fax, multi-function peripherals, 2-D bar-code readers and finger scanners.

A major challenge in designing ICs for digital cameras and scanners is providing an architecture that reduces system costs. "The ImageMOS product series we introduced demonstrates Motorola's commitment to the emerging digital-imaging market," said John Fairholme, director of Motorola's Image Capture business.

"By integrating vision capability with mainstream CMOS manufacturing, you create a totally integrated solution that combines analog and microprocessor technologies on to the sensor chip at an attractive price."

Circuits introduced in the part-1 rollout include:

MCM20006 - 300 DPI Tri-linear Image Sensor/Capture Processing Engine
MCM20007 - 1/4" Color CIF Image Sensor
MCM20008 - 1/3" Color VGA Image Sensor
MCM10005 - Digital Image Capture Engine
MCM10009 - 10-bit Image Capture Engine
MCM10010 - 12-bit Image Capture Engine
MCM10007 - 10-bit Triple Channel Image and Video A/D Converter
MCM10008 - 10-bit Imaging and Video A/D Converter
MCM30001 - Programmable Timing Generator for Image Sensors

Compared with CCD or contact image sensor based designs, the entire family of Motorola CMOS sensors eliminates special purpose timing chips and power supplies by using a single 3.3 V supply and CMOS compatible I/Os.

The sensors incorporate Eastman Kodak's patented Advanced CMOS Imager "pinned" photodiode design manufactured on an enhanced CMOS process developed by Motorola. Color versions of the sensors incorporate a Color Filter Array (CFA) using Kodak proprietary filter materials.

Silicon and CFA processing are run on separate eight-inch lines at Motorola's MOS 12 site in Chandler, Ariz. The resulting imager performance largely overcomes the poor noise performance and color response limitations associated with conventional CMOS sensors, while providing performance specs that equal or exceed that of consumer product CCDs currently on the market.

"Circuit price, performance, functionality and power dissipation are important in consumer products such as cameras; but system development tools, knowledge of the application and standards, and the ability to get to market quickly are also required," said Fairholme. "In announcing this family, Motorola demonstrates its commitment to provide complete systems solutions to imaging markets."

Application development boards are available to support design-in of the sensors and digital-image capture engines. The boards incorporate a device socket, voltage regulation, 12MHz clock generation and visibility to virtually all analog and digital signals.

Motorola's technology alliance with FlashPoint Technology Inc. provides designers access to a standardized software digital camera development platform for creating applications that use the full capabilities of embedded PowerPC processor cores. Designers may also take advantage of Motorola's expertise in speech recognition, display technology and interface standards such as IrDA and USB.

"Advanced manufacturing capabilities, key partnerships with software and imaging developers, and proven development platforms make this announcement important for designers of next generation digital imaging systems," said Carlos Genardini, senior vice president and general manager for Motorola's Consumer Systems Group.

"The development of CMOS image sensors will make technology-based products like digital cameras more available to individual consumers, and will change the way we communicate with our computers, phones, cars, bank cards ... the possibilities appear to be limitless."

Pricing in 1,000 unit quantity ranges from $3 each for a 10-bit imaging and video A/D converter in a 28-pin SOIC package to $8 each for a 10-bit digital-image capture engine in a 48-lead LQFP, upwards to $16 each for an A-Series 1/3 inch VGA sensor in a 16-pin CDIP to $19.50 each for the 300 DPI tri-linear image sensor with integrated capture-processing engine in a 28-lead CDIP package.

Sample shipments of most products are expected to be available in April with qualified production anticipated beginning in third quarter. The digital image capture engine and A/D converters are sampling now. Complete technical literature is now available via the World Wide Web at www.motorola.com/ADC.

With 1997 worldwide sales of $8.0 billion, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector develops the essential building blocks to help its customers create new opportunities in the consumer, networking and computing, transportation and wireless communications markets.

In the global marketplace, Motorola also is one of the leading providers of wireless communications, advanced electronic systems, components, and services. Major equipment businesses include cellular telephone, two-way radio, paging and data communications, personal communications, automotive, defense and space electronics and computers. Corporate sales in 1997 were $29.8 billion.

For additional information, visit Motorola's Web site at www.motorola.com/ADC. -0-

Note to Editors: Motorola and ImageMOS are trademarks of Motorola Inc. Advanced CMOS Imager is a trademark of Eastman Kodak Co. PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corp. and is used by Motorola Inc. under license therefrom.

Response Literature: MCM20006; MCM20007; MCM20008; MCM10005; MCM10009; MCM10010; MCM10007; MCM10008; MCM30001 data sheets

CONTACT: Motorola Inc.

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