Conexant Gives Digital Cameras High-Resolution XGA Image Quality Using a Low-Cost Single-Chip Solution.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 1999--

Conexant Expands Its Family of Single-Chip Image Sensors and

Camera Engines That Offers Low-Cost, High-Quality Alternatives to

Traditional Charge Coupled Device Solutions

Conexant Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CNXT), formerly Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Thursday announced a single-chip image sensor that provides high-resolution, XGA quality while lowering system costs and power requirements for digital still cameras, as well as embedded cameras in portable computing and handheld devices.

Conexant's new complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor with XGA 1024x768-pixel image resolution provides superior visual quality with low noise performance, excellent color reproduction and 10-bit digital resolution. The device reduces system cost and power requirements as compared to traditional Charge Coupled Device (CCD) solutions, and draws upon Conexant's heritage with CMOS imaging technology for space exploration and telescope applications.

The XGA image sensor is the first of its kind to use a smaller, 7-micron-by-7-micron pixel size that lets OEMs develop digital cameras with lower-cost half-inch system optics. In addition to digital still cameras, the device is ideal for portable applications including notebook and handheld computers, scanners, toys, and industrial applications such as machine vision and security cameras.

"Conexant's latest offering extends our leadership in combining low-cost, industry-standard CMOS chip manufacturing processes with our proprietary, high-performance imaging technology," said Kevin Strong, senior vice president and general manager for Conexant's Personal Imaging Division. "Our XGA solution demonstrates how CMOS technology can now match the image quality of traditional CCD technology, while offering a significantly more attractive roadmap for adding new functions as we develop the coming generation of camera-on-a-chip solutions."

Key features of Conexant's XGA image sensor include the ability to operate with a single voltage source of 3.3 volts, which simplifies camera design, reduces power consumption and cuts the number of parts required for a total solution. Typical CCD solutions of similar resolution require four voltage sources and three additional support chips.

The XGA imager is the only solution of its kind to include a highly integrated on-chip 10-bit A/D converter for improved performance, as well as an integrated timing generator. A special windowing mode operates from 25 to 30 frames-per-second (fps) to provide an output for real-time liquid crystal display (LCD) and digital zoom functions. The device is also compatible with the industry-standard half-inch optic format and uses the standard Bayer color filter pattern to ensure compatibility with image-processing hardware.

CMOS imaging technology offers a variety of benefits as compared to traditional CCD solutions, which are generally more expensive and difficult to produce. CCD technology was once considered to offer superior image quality, but the latest CMOS technology now matches CCD image quality and can be produced with the same low-cost technology that is used to manufacture a majority of semiconductors today.

Conexant's CMOS image sensor family now spans a wide range of image resolutions and includes a 352x288-pixel Common Intermediate Format (CIF) image sensor for consumer video applications. The CIF image sensor can be combined with a digital camera engine to perform all image processing, making a complete PC video camera solution with plug-and-play Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.

Samples of Conexant's XGA image sensor will be available in February 1999, as well as a low-cost evaluation system with a PC parallel port interface. Volume production is scheduled for March 1999. The device will be packaged in a 44-pin CLCC and priced at $30 per unit in 10,000-unit volumes.

Conexant Systems is the $1.2 billion company that was created when Rockwell International Corp. spun off its semiconductor systems business to shareowners in December 1998. Conexant is the world's largest independent company focused exclusively on providing semiconductor products for communications electronics.

With more than 30 years of experience in developing analog modem technology, the company draws upon its expertise in mixed-signal processing and communications technology to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products for a broad range of communications applications. These products facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data communications networks, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems, and emerging cable and wireless broadband communications networks. The company aligns its business into five product platforms: Personal Computing, Personal Imaging, Wireless Communications, Digital Infotainment, and Network Access.