64-MP image sensor targets high-end smartphones

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. has released the OV64C, its first 64-megapixel (MP) image sensor featuring a 0.8-micron pixel size. The image sensors offers high resolution and premium features for high-end smartphones in a 1/1.7-in. optical format. Built on OmniVision’s PureCel Plus stacked die technology, this sensor also provides excellent still- image capture and 4K video performance with electronic image stabilization (EIS).

The sensor also features Type-2, 2 × 2 microlens phase detection autofocus (ML-PDAF) for improved autofocus accuracy, especially in low light. Other features include four-cell re-mosaic for full-resolution Bayer output, as well as digital crop zoom and a CPHY interface for greater throughput using fewer pins, which makes it well-suited for the main rear-facing camera in multi-camera configurations.

The integrated on-chip four-cell color filter array and hardware re-mosaic provides 64-MP Bayer output in real time. In low-light conditions, the OV64C sensor can use near-pixel binning to output a 16-MP image with 4× the sensitivity, offering 1.6-micron-equivalent performance for previews and still captures. In either case, the OV64C can consistently capture the best-quality images, as well as enable 2× digital crop zoom with 16-MP resolution and fast mode switch, said OmniVision.

Output formats include 64 MP at 15 frames per second (fps), 8K video at 30 fps, 16-MP captures with four-cell binning at 30 fps, 4K video at 60 fps, and 4K video with EIS at 30 fps. The OV64C supports three-exposure, staggered HDR timing for up to 16-MP video modes.

Samples of the OV64C image sensor are available now.