Toshiba releases 16 megapixel CMOS image sensor for smartphones and tablets

Toshiba Corp has developed 16 megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor (T4KC3).

In the mobile device market, manufacturers constantly target a small form factor; a thinner final product. Toshiba is meeting this need with a design method, already deployed in current products, that realizes smaller CMOS sensor chips and low-power circuits. That method has now resulted in the world’s smallest class 16MP chip, which also realizes 30fps at full-resolution output with power consumption of 240mW or lower.

The functional range of the new sensor supports users in capturing beautiful images and movies. Phase-Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF), recently embedded in SLR cameras, achieves quick focusing that surpasses conventional auto-focusing, and makes it easier for mobile devices to capture high quality images and movies.

The T4KC3 also incorporates Toshiba’s Bright Mode technology, which boosts image brightness up to four times and enables HD video capture at 240fps equivalent, and supports high dynamic range (HDR) to capture natural images of scenes with a high contrast ratio, ending the problem of over- and underexposed images.

Additionally the new sensor incorporates 16Kbit OTP, which can store lens shading correction data for four conditions at maximum, such as indoors and outdoors, daylight and sunset. Settings can be switched with a simple command.

© Business Wire