Toshiba : Press Releases 26 September, 2006

Toshiba Expands CMOS Image Sensor Lineup
with 3.2-Megapixel and 2.0-Megapixel Models

26 September, 2006

Industry leader in CMOS imaging delivers smaller sensors for mobile phones and other personal digital equipment

Tokyo--Toshiba Corporation today announced that it has upgraded and expanded Dynastron^TM^*1), the company's industry-leading line-up of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors for integration in mobile handsets. Two new models, the 3.2 megapixel ET8EE6-AS and 2.0 megapixel ET8EF2-AS, bring significant advances in cell size to cellular phones and other camera-enabled mobile devices.

Both new image sensors achieve advances in miniaturization while maintaining high resolution. With the ET8EE6-AS Toshiba reduces a 3.2 megapixel image sensor to a 1/3.2 optical format, surpassing the company's previous 1/2.6-inch format size. ET8EF2-AS achieves a 2.0 megapixel count in a 1/4-inch optical format. Underlying these advances are a marked reduction in pixel pitch, from 2.7 to 2.2 microns(µm), combined with retention of a pixel size capable of recording high-resolution images. The new sensors also offers low power consumption, smearless^*2) imaging and high-speed operation, all essential requirements for personal mobile equipment, including camera phones and personal media centers. ET8EF2-AS also integrates an image signal processor (ISP), providing customers with the essential components for easily configuring a digital camera system.

The growing popularity of camera phones is spurring demand for improved image quality, but without any increase in handset size. With the launch of the 3.2-megapixel ET8EE6-AS and 2-megapixel ET8EF2-AS, Toshiba is positioned to provide mobile phone manufacturers with leading-edge support, and to reinforce its leadership in CMOS imaging.

Pricing and Availability

Note: Product Numbers and Sample Price shown are for the Japanese market.

Other features

1.	Adoption of Toshiba's Dynastron^TM technology, including an improved photo-diode configuration and optimized pixel size, brings pixel pitch down to 2.2 microns, with no compromise in image quality. These advances support a 3.2 megapixel count in a 1/3.2-inch format and 2.0 megapixel count in a 1/4-inch format.
2.	In video mode, ET8EE6-AS offers high speed 15-frames per second (fps) in QXGA　output, and 30fps in 3-to-1 vertical pixel binning. ET8EF2-AS also support 15fps at UXGA output, and 30fps in VGA output.
3.	Integrated automatic blemish detection and correction, gain control and lens shading compensation support simplified design of an optimized camera system.
4.	ET8EF2-AS integrates an image signal processor (ISP) that supports auto white balance (AWB), auto luminance control (ALC), and automatic blemish correction.
5.	A flexible input clock is supported by phase locked loop (PLL) circuit.

These line-ups will be exhibited at CEATEC JAPAN 2006, at Makuhari Messe, from October 3 to 7.

*1) Dynastron^TM is a registered trademark of Toshiba Corp.

*2) Smear: a vertical stripe in an image that can occur when photographs are taken in bright light conditions, such as direct sunshine.

Information in the press releases, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the press announcement,but is subject to change without prior notice.