Cypress Introduces High-Speed VGA CMOS Image Sensor for Machine Vision and Motion Analysis Applications; Extended Dynamic Range Image Sensor Features 250 Frames-per-Second Performance With Snapshot Shutter and X- and Y-Windowing Capability.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:CY) today announced the commercial sampling of its new LUPA-300 low-cost, high-speed VGA resolution CMOS image sensor. Developed for machine vision and motion analysis applications, the LUPA-300 sensor features a high frame rate, a triggered and pipelined synchronous shutter, and X- and Y-windowing capability that delivers undistorted images and fast readout.

The LUPA-300 features a fully synchronous snapshot shutter, making it possible to read one image while the next is being acquired and to capture moving objects without distortion. A multiple windowing feature enables the user to read out only regions of interest in the image, increasing the effective frame rate. It also features a multiple slope capability to capture scenes with a high contrast ratio without saturating the bright areas, and maintaining good contrast in shadowed regions.

"With an exceptionally fast frame rate, snapshot shutter and windowing capability, the LUPA-300 brings high-speed image acquisition to machine vision and motion analysis applications, while dramatically enhancing image quality and performance," said Lou Hermans, senior marketing director at Cypress. "The addition of this new image sensor enhances Cypress's image sensor product portfolio, providing camera manufacturers and OEM's a wide range of imaging solutions to help them meet the varied needs of their end-users."

The low-power VGA image sensor's pixels have been designed for high sensitivity and low parasitic light sensitivity and feature an active pixel array format of 640 x 480 pixels with 9.9 um2 pixel size. The intra-scene dynamic range can be increased by using the flexible multiple slope operation mode. Operating at 250 frames-per-second (fps), the LUPA-300 features a 10-bit on-chip analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for digital output and on-chip timing control for easy application development. The image sensor is available in both monochrome and RGB and was developed at Cypress's Mechelen, Belgium facility. Typical applications for Cypress's new LUPA-300 image sensor include motion analysis, robotics, tracking, industrial inspection and metrology.

Cypress's broad CMOS image sensor portfolio spans both the high-end and consumer mass markets. Cypress delivers high-performance sensors for custom and high-end digital photography; ultra high-speed imaging solutions for automotive safety, machine vision and motion analysis; and consumer-oriented solutions for ultra-slim digital still cameras, single-use cameras and camera-enabled mobile devices. CMOS image sensors complement Cypress's technology and market strengths. The sensors expand Cypress's existing presence in digital still cameras, where it sells a broad array of timing solutions; in the automotive sector, where it sells configurable microcontrollers and memories; and in mobile phones where it is a leader in low-power memories.

Price and Availability

Samples of the LUPA-300 are available now with full production expected in the fourth quarter of 2005. The device is priced at approximately $50. An evaluation kit for the LUPA-300 will be available in the third quarter of 2005. A high-resolution photo of the LUPA-300 can be downloaded at www.cypress.com/LUPA-300photo.

About Cypress

Cypress solutions are at the heart of any system that is built to perform: consumer, computation, data communications, automotive, industrial, and solar power. Leveraging a strong commitment to customer service and performance-based process and manufacturing expertise, Cypress's product portfolio includes a broad selection of wired and wireless USB devices, CMOS image sensors, timing solutions, network search engines, specialty memories, high-bandwidth synchronous and micropower memory products, optical solutions, and reconfigurable mixed-signal arrays. Cypress stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CY. More information about the company is available online at www.cypress.com.

Cypress and the Cypress logo are registered trademarks of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.