STMicroelectronics' New Imaging Solution for Mobile Phones

contents

hardware

STMicroelectronics has announced an imaging solution, capable of controlling the entire imaging subsystem in a mobile phone. The ultra-low-power, self-contained solution is based on ST's latest image system controller (STV0984), which provides a full range of imaging functions, including the support of two SMIA-compliant sensors with resolution of up to 2 M pixels, each capable of running at up to 25 frames per second.

This flexible two-camera sub system is suited for the increasing market for third-generation handsets that support video conferencing applications. Typically the lower resolution camera, dedicated to video conferencing, will be mounted to face toward the phone user while the high resolution, still-image-centric device will face away from the user.

ST's new image-system controller embeds a high-speed Imaging Signal Processing pipeline, including color interpolation, image enhancement, scaling, formatting, and JPEG compression. All processing operations run in real time to provide an optimized, cost-efficient solution with no framestore memory required. The STV0984 can support two SMIA (Standard Mobile Imaging Architecture) sensors with an active array of up to 2M pixels and produces best-in-class video performance of 25 frames per second at full (UXGA) resolution.

In addition to superb image quality, the STV0984's dual video pipelines enable the simultaneous processing of a single frame of data, so that the captured still image is identical to that on the phone viewfinder with no perceptible shutter lag. The dual-pipeline architecture also supports a true full-frame rate camcorder mode with simultaneous local viewfinder support and video capture with an optional 4x smooth digital zoom.

The STV0984 controller contains 11 configurable GPIO (General Purpose Input/Outputs), including smart-pulse generators and an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), to provide flexibility for support and control of many imaging peripherals. These peripherals include flash systems and all types of auto-focus actuators. Camera modules are connected to the imaging processor through the high-speed serial CCP2 (Compact Camera Port) interface. CCP2 provides a low-power, low-EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference), and reduced pin-count connection that is particularly valuable in clam-shell phones. Furthermore, flexibility in voltage and clock supply makes the device suitable for integration in a wide range of mobile-phone platforms and architectures.

Most recent additions to the Company's extensive portfolio of camera modules include a SMIA-compliant 2-Mpixel camera module in both fixed and auto-focus variants (VS6750/ VA6750) and an ultra-small CIF+ camera for videoconferencing applications.

The STV0984 comes complete with standard software modules that can be accessed by simple commands. System integration is quick, painless and fully supported by ST's worldwide team of imaging application specialists.

write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Computing News :: home page