Samsung introduced its first 16-megapixel CMOS image sensor (S5K3P3) with 1.0μm-pixel size back in 2015. Today the company has introduced a new 16-megapixel sensor with 1.0μm-pixel size in its ISOCELL Slim 3P9 lineup targeted at sleekly designed smartphones. The sensor has Tetracell technology and a Plug and Play solution.
The Tetracell technology merges four neighboring pixels, so that the 3P9 can function as a 2.0μm image sensor for front-facing cameras that can take brighter pictures in low-lit environments, says Samsung. It also has phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) with doubled auto-focus agent density than that of conventional PDAF sensors.
It also has gyro-synchronizer that significantly stabilizes pictures and videos taken while in motion. This syncs frame exposure time from the sensor with movement data from the device’s gyroscope. Once the data is synced, the mobile processor can simply adjust the frames based on movement rather than rigorously analyzing each frame to detect and compensate for angular movement.
The ISOCELL Plug and Play solution in rear camera module simplifies the process of optimizing a camera module, made up of parts from different providers by offering a turnkey ISOCELL sensor module tuned for Valued Camera eXperience (VCX)-grade image quality, along with other components, including lenses and actuators from preferred partners.
“Since the optimization and reliability tests are done beforehand at the module-level rather than on the sensor alone, manufacturers can simply plug the camera module onto their device, saving up to four months of development time,” says Samsung.
The Samsung ISOCELL Slim 3P9 with Plug and Play solution is already shipping to OEMs.