SmartSite launches new upgraded 13-megapixel CMOS image sensor for mobile phone applications

September 28, 2023, Shanghai, China - Smartway (Shanghai) Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. officially launched the Cellphone Sensor (CS) Series 13-megapixel image sensor product for mobile phone applications - SC1320CS. This new back-illuminated (BSI) image sensor has an ultra-small chip size of 23.61mm2 and is equipped with SmartClarity's unique SmartClarity®-3 technology. It has performance advantages such as high sensitivity, high dynamic range, and excellent noise control, and can be used for smartphones. The rear main camera, rear ultra-wide angle and front-facing applications bring extraordinary quality images.

As smartphone camera technology continues to innovate and evolve, the functions of mobile phone cameras are gradually enriched, and the average number of cameras installed on smartphones is gradually increasing. According to Yole Group research and forecasts, from 2022 to 2028, the number of cameras on a single mobile phone will increase from 3.9 to 4.6.

Higher sensitivity and dynamic range, suitable for shooting day and night scenes

The diversity of smartphone shooting scenes places higher demands on the imaging performance of mobile phone cameras, which require capturing clear, complete and delicate images under various complex lighting conditions outdoors and indoors. SC1320CS adopts SmartSmart's advanced SmartClarity®-3 technology, combined with SFCPixel® patented technology and BSI pixel architecture, and its photosensitive performance has been significantly improved. Compared with previous generation technology products, the sensitivity and quantum efficiency (QE) of SC1320CS have been increased by approximately 23% and 12% respectively, effectively enhancing its light capture capabilities and achieving excellent imaging performance in dark light environments. At the same time, the dynamic range of the SC1320CS is relatively improved by about 4dB, which can retain more information in the bright and dark areas of the image, presenting clear images with distinct layers and rich details, which can meet the shooting needs of day and night scenes.

In addition, SC1320CS supports PDAF (Phase Automatic Detection Focus) technology, which provides clear capture images for mobile phone cameras with fast and accurate focusing performance, helping users easily freeze beautiful moments.

Excellent noise control performance, creating excellent image quality

In order to obtain better image quality, SC1320CS uses SmartSite's advanced ultra-low noise peripheral reading circuit technology to achieve outstanding noise control effects. The read noise (Read Noise) and fixed noise (FPN) of SC1320CS are as low as 1.1e- or less and 0.2e- or less respectively, which are significantly reduced by about 48% and 30% respectively compared with products of the same specifications in the industry. In addition to having the same excellent high signal-to-noise ratio, SC1320CS has a relative reduction of pixel response non-uniformity (PRNU) and white point (White Pixel) by 16% and 65% respectively, which can bring purer and more delicate image quality to mobile phone cameras. At the same time, with the blessing of SmartSite's newly upgraded color visual effects, the image texture of SC1320CS is gorgeous, realistic and better.

In addition, SC1320CS has an ultra-small chip size of 23.61mm2, which is about 14% smaller than products of the same specifications in the industry. It can reduce the size of the camera module and save space for smartphone hardware system integration.

Ms. Zhang Peiling, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of SmartSite, said: "StreetSite's new mobile application CMOS image sensor SC1320CS, which is launched this time, combines excellent high sensitivity, high dynamic range, noise control performance, and supports automatic PDAF phase detection. Focus can bring clear and textured images to smartphone cameras in various lighting scenarios, and comprehensively help upgrade the performance of smartphone imaging systems. With its top research and development capabilities in the field of high-end imaging technology, SmartSite will continue to launch mobile phones with excellent performance. Apply image sensor products to promote the further development of future smartphone imaging technology.”

SC1320CS is currently accepting samples and is expected to be mass-produced in Q4 2023.