Ams introduces the world's smallest digital camera module

Ams has announced the pre-release of one of the industry's smallest and lightest 100,000 megapixel image sensors to deliver digital video output for mobile or wearable consumer devices such as virtual reality (VR) headsets. It supports GDPR compatibility, is flexible to connect to interfaces, supports various types of visual sensing, and is inexpensive for disposable applications in consumer electronics.

● The tiny, lightweight, compact digital image sensor makes the camera invisible in wearables such as VR headsets

● The wafer-level integrated optics of the new surface-mount NanEyeC image sensor have an area of 1mm2 and can be integrated into any size-constrained application for increased visualization

● The 100kpixel resolution and deep focus range provide the image quality and low power consumption required for eye tracking in VR headsets and other consumer devices

● Convenient digital output for easy integration into microcontroller-based or application processor systems

The new NanEyeC image sensor is available in the form of a lens-like chipscale module with a footprint of 1mm2 and a weight of about 1g. NanEyeC combines a wide-angle view with a good depth of focus to deliver the speed and image quality needed for emerging video applications where the camera is virtually invisible to the end user or must fit in a small space.

They include:

● Eye tracking in VR or augmented reality (AR) head-mounted receivers or frames

● Personnel detection and counting in building automation systems such as intelligent lighting and air conditioning

● Target detection and avoidance in robotic devices, such as automated vacuum cleaners or the smallest drones

● Toys and model trains provide an immersive experience

● Capsule endoscope or dental imaging tool

Dina Aguiar, marketing manager of ams' Microcamera module product line, said: "Due to NanEye's small size and high image quality, the product family has gained a loyal following among medical endoscope manufacturers. Now, the NanEyeC Consumer Edition offers the same quality and performance in a compact SGA package for installation on space-constrained PCBS in wearable or mobile devices."

NanEyeC cameras are full-featured image sensors available as 1mm x 1mm lens surface mount modules. It provides digital image data with a maximum resolution of 320px x 320px and can reach a maximum speed of 58 frames per second in single-ended interface mode (SEIM).
The sensor's digital LVDS or SEIM interface makes it easy to connect it to any host microcontroller or application processor. The sensor also has an idle mode to reduce power consumption.