Samsung Addresses Next Gen Imaging and Connectivity with New Image Sensor and NFC IC

Samsung Electronics an advanced semiconductor technology enabler, has announced new mobile component solutions that advance users’ mobile experiences.

These solutions include an 8-megapixel (MP) RWB (Red-White-Blue) image sensor based on ISOCELL technology and an NFC (Near Field Communication) integrated circuit (IC) with improved RF (Radio Frequency) performance.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to create leading logic solutions that meet the rapidly evolving requirements of the mobile industry and give consumers new and more exciting mobile experiences,” said Dr. Kyushik Hong, Vice President of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. “With our new RWB ISOCELL image sensor for richer images and NFC IC with outstanding RF performance, we are excited to offer mobile users more convenient imaging and connectivity applications.”

Samsung’s ISOCELL technology equips 8 MP image sensor with an RWB Color Filter for front-facing mobile cameras

Samsung’s 8 MP ISOCELL RWB CMOS image sensor, the S5K4H5YB, provides an ideal solution for front-facing mobile cameras, thanks to its excellent low light performance that also preserves color fidelity in pictures. By combining ISOCELL technology with Samsung’s newly developed RWB color pattern filter, the new image sensor maximizes the quality of digital images.

Samsung’s proprietary ISOCELL technology substantially increases light sensitivity and effectively controls the collection of photons, resulting in higher color fidelity even in poor lighting conditions. Physical barriers between each ISOCELL pixel allow 30 percent decrease in crosstalk and 30 percent increase in full-well capacity when compared to conventional BSI (Back Side Illumination) pixels.

The newly devised RWB color pattern further enhances light sensitivity and color fidelity, allowing an improvement of over 3 dB (decibels) in SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) in low light settings. In addition, unlike other types of color pattern configurations, the high similarity between the RWB and RGB patterns eliminates the need for an RGB convertor in a RWB filter, which prevents unnecessary color deviation.

Combining Samsung’s leading-edge ISOCELL and RWB technology, the new front-facing 8 MP image sensor provides essential improvements in light sensitivity and color fidelity. Samples of the 8 MP RWB ISOCELL image sensor are available for customers and mass production of the product is scheduled for the second quarter of this year.

Fourth-generation NFC IC solution with doubled RF performance is ideal for advanced mobile payment

Samsung’s fourth-generation NFC solution (S3FWRN5P) features significantly improved RF performance, showing an increase of about 100 percent over its predecessor in card mode and 20 percent in reader mode, respectively.

Due to the major enhancement in RF performance, the NFC IC operates with one of the smallest antennas currently available in the market, which comes in a film-type form factor and can be attached to a smartphone battery without an extra booster IC. This creates great design benefits for mobile manufacturers, allowing them to meet the consumer demand for ever lighter and slimmer mobile devices.

The NFC IC also fulfills strict mobile POS (Point of Sales) requirements and is prepared to support next-generation smartphones. By utilizing Samsung’s industry-leading 45-nanometer embedded flash process technology, the new NFC IC also helps customers save time and resources for additional development and certification.

Samsung’s fourth-generation NFC IC is in mass production and reference designs are available for quick and easy development.