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The following is an unedited press release, shown as received from the company represented. We've elected to present selected releases without editorial comment, as a way to provide our readers more information without further overtaxing our limited editorial resources. To avoid any possible confusion or conflict of interest, the Imaging Resource will always clearly distinguish between company-provided press releases and our own editorial views and content.

MagnaChip's MC531EA image sensor. Courtesy of MagnaChip, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. PRESS RELEASE: MagnaChip Launches Industry First Fully Integrated Digital Auto Focus 3.2 Megapixel SoC CMOS Imaging Solution


Seoul, South Korea, February 12, 2007 MagnaChip Semiconductor Ltd., a leading global designer, developer and manufacturer of image sensor solutions, mixed-signal and digital multimedia semiconductors, today, announced the launch of the industry’s first Imaging System on a Chip (SoC) to incorporate both industry leading image sensor and pixel technology, image processing and a digital auto-focus engine.

The MC531EA is a 1/3.2” optical format 3.2 mega-pixel (2048 x 1536) CMOS sensor with integrated advanced image processing, a high speed 48-way SIMD processor which requires no external memory and can run enhanced depth of field (EDoF) and digital auto-focus (DAF) algorithms. The MC531EA makes use of MagnaChip’s advanced 2.2um pixel technology which provides better signal to noise performance than many 3.2MP products now coming to market. The MC521EA additionally features an on-board ARM7TDMI core that can be programmed with different algorithms for auto-function control, such as auto white balance with color temperature detection and tonal mapping, and auto exposure with scene dependent compensation.

“The features we have incorporated into the MC531EA single chip solution are normally found in 3 chip solutions in digital still cameras,” said Jason Hartlove, Senior Vice President of the Imaging Solutions Division. “While 3 mega-pixel cameras are leading edge for handset implementations, designs today require expensive multi-chip solutions with large, power hungry moving actuators which attempt to mimic the functionality of Digital Still Cameras (DSCs). MagnaChip, has gone beyond the DSC capabilities by integrating support for new technologies such as digital auto-focus, all within a single chip solution that does not require any external components. This eliminates the need for an actuator, making it easier for manufacturers to create small form factor, mechanically robust solutions with a lower total system cost.”

The MC531EA also provides multiple GPIOs which can be programmed to support Strobe or other functions as required by an OEM.

Sang Park, Chairman and CEO of MagnaChip, said, “The launch of this new generation of imaging solutions marks an important milestone in MagnaChip’s recovery and return to growth. These products offer distinctive, market-leading features and address a critical, growing segment of the market. We expect these products to drive growth in our imaging solutions business in 2007 and beyond, and importantly, to continue to launch similar products with distinctive features targeted at high growth markets in our imaging and other businesses going forward.”

Samples of the MC531EA will be available in February, and MagnaChip has a complete suite of demonstration systems and reference designs to support OEMs and integrators during product development. Additionally, the entire EA product family will be showcased at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Spain from February 12 - 15, 2007. For more information, please see our website at www.magnachip.com or contact your local MagnaChip sales office or representative.

About MagnaChip Semiconductor
MagnaChip Semiconductor is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of mixed-signal and digital multimedia semiconductors addressing the convergence of consumer electronics and communications devices. We focus on CMOS image sensors and flat panel display drivers, which are complex, high performance, mixed signal semiconductors that capture images and enable and enhance the features and capabilities of both small and large flat panel displays. MagnaChip also provides wafer foundry services utilizing CMOS high voltage, embedded memory, analog and power process technologies for the manufacture of IC's for customer-owned designs. MagnaChip has world-class manufacturing capabilities and an extensive portfolio of approximately 8,500 registered and pending patents. As a result, MagnaChip is a valued partner in providing leading technology solutions to its customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.magnachip.com.

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MagnaChip MC531Ex
Active Pixels 2,048(H) x 1,536(V)
Physical Pixels 3,145,728
Pixel Size 2.2µm x 2.2µm
Sensor Area 4.51mm x 3.38mm (5.64mm diagonal)
Optical Format 1/3.2 inches
Dynamic Range 63dB
SNRMAX 40dB
Responsivity 0.6V/Lux-sec
Frame Rate Up to 15fps full resolution (QXGA)
Up to 30fps at VGA
Automatic Exposure Automatic with programmable options
Auto White Balance Automatic with programmable options
Output Formats RGB555, RGB565, RGB444, RGB888
YUV422, JPEG8 and Bayer RGB 10 bit
Scaler Full programmable with independent H and V, selectable filtering
Power Supply Analog: 2.4 –3.1V
Digital Core: 1.35 –2.0V
Digital IO: 1.7 –3.1V
Active Power 300 mW@15fps full resolution
Stand-by Power TBD µA
Input Clock MCLK: 6 to 40 MHz
Output Clock VCLK: up to 80MHz
Package Die (in wafer form) and Reconstructed Wafer
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(First posted on Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 17:22 EST)

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