Cypress Samples Low-Cost, 9-Megapixel APS CMOS Image Sensors With Superior Image Quality for High-End Digital Still Camera Market.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- First Cypress-Manufactured Sensor Features Low Dark Current and Low Noise to Deliver Picture Quality On Par With More Expensive CCD Devices

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:CY) today announced commercial sampling of its new 9.0-megapixel CMOS image sensors for high-end digital still cameras (DSCs). The cost-effective new image sensors offer low dark current and low noise, on par with that of more expensive charge coupled devices (CCDs). These features deliver outstanding image quality, enabling camera makers to meet the increasing demand for high-performance, economically priced single-lens reflex (SLR) DSCs.

The CYIHDSC9000AA (color) and CYIHDSM9000AA (monochrome) are the first image sensors manufactured on Cypress's high-volume, low-cost 0.13-micron CMOS process optimized for image sensors. The image sensors take advantage of Cypress's proprietary, high fill-factor pixel architecture, eliminating the need for microlenses. With a maximum resolution of 3710 x 2434 pixels, the sensors are capable of delivering superior image quality, color rendition and dynamic range. They are ideally suited for camera-makers targeting advanced amateurs, photo enthusiasts and professional photographers.

"Low dark current and low noise are essential for today's high-end DSC market," said Cliff Drowley, vice president and general manager of Cypress's image sensor business unit. "Our patented pixel architecture, proven in Kodak's DCS Pro SLR line of cameras, is the only CMOS architecture capable of achieving the noise and dark current targets demanded by high-end DSC manufacturers. What is equally attractive to camera makers is this high-end solution does not come with a high-end price."

The new devices are Cypress's first non-proprietary image sensor targeted at high-end DSCs and build on a foundation established by the 13.85-megapixel image sensor developed for Kodak. The sensors also complement a stable of other Cypress products targeted at the DSC market, including timing solutions and USB controllers.

The image sensors feature a pixel pitch of 6.4-micron and an image array of 3710 x 2434 pixels. The array format is 23.3 x 15.5-mm2 with a diagonal dimension of 28-mm, resulting in an effective focal length multiplier of 1.5 compared to a full frame 35-mm camera. The aspect ratio is 3:2. The devices are capable of delivering five frames-per-second (fps) at full resolution and 20 fps at VGA resolution.

Price and Availability

Cypress is currently sampling the CYIHDSC9000AA and CYIHDSM9000AA with production volumes expected to be available in February of 2006. Pricing is expected to be approximately $90.00 each, depending on quantities. A high-resolution photo is available at www.cypress.com/9-megapixelAPS.

Cypress Image Sensors

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.

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 and Autobrite and PSoC are trademarks of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.