OmniVision Technologies launched the OV3647, a 1/4-inch, 3 MegaPixel image sensor that supports the mobile display digital interface (MDDI), an interface promoted by Qualcomm for use with its chipsets. The OV3647 uses OmniVision’s proprietary 1.75 micron OmniPixel3 technology. The OV3647 is also equipped with a standard parallel interface which has the ability to act as an input for a secondary camera, so it can share the MDDI interface while also functioning as an MDDI hub. Sharing the MDDI reduces the number of interconnects to the Baseband processor, which increases reliability, reduces power consumption and enables rapid two-way data transfer. Sharing the MDDI also eliminates high frequency electro-magnetic interference (EMI) issues, which often have adverse effects on system performance.

The device has a 3 MegaPixel image array, capable of operating at up to 15 frames per second (fps) in QXGA (2048 x 1536) resolution, with complete user control over image quality, format and output data transfer. All required programming functions are accessible via the SCCB interface or MDDI interface. The sensor is small enough to enable 7 x 7 x 5 mm camera modules with short optical track, and thus is versatile enough to work well both with fixed focus and auto-focus modules. The OV3647’s embedded, one time programmable (OTP) memory is designed for part recognition and simplification of module designs using different lenses.

In addition to targeting the mobile handset market, the OV3647 is suited to applications in the digital still camera, PC multimedia and toy sectors. The device is currently available for sampling, and the company expects to begin volume production in the third quarter.