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November 8, 2005 - Cypress, a semiconductor and components manufacturer, yesterday announced commercial sampling of its new sensors, two 9 megapixel CMOS chips available in color and monochrome and designed for use in high-end digital cameras. Each measures 23.3 mm x 15.5 mm and comes in a 3:2 aspect ratio with 3710 x 2434 pixels.
Though they are based on a 13.8 megapixel sensor developed by Kodak, the new sensors are non-proprietary, a first for Cypress. That is not the only thing that makes the CYIHDSC9000AA (color) and CYIHDSM9000AA (monochrome) stand out: the pair do not need or use microlenses.
"Our patented pixel architecture, proven in Kodak's DCS Pro SLR line of cameras, is the only CMOS architecture capable of achieving the noise and dark current targets demanded by high-end DSC manufacturers," said Cliff Drowley, vice president and general manager of Cypress's image sensor business unit. "What is equally attractive to camera makers is this high-end solution does not come with a high-end price."
The new sensors will be become available in February of 2006 at roughly $90 US each.