In the world of advanced semiconductor technology, Samsung Electronics is a world leader. On October 30, Samsung Electronics introduced two new 0.8-micrometer (μm) pixel image sensors in South Korea – the 48MP Samsung ISOCELL Bright GM1 and the 32MP ISOCELL Bright GD1.
Samsung’s latest pixel isolation technology, ISOCELL Plus, is the basis for the GM1 and the GD1 sensors. This technology optimizes the performance of smaller-dimension pixels in super-resolution cameras. The additional Tetra cell technology, where four pixels are merged to work as one to increase light sensitivity, the light sensitivity of GM1 and GD1 can equal that of a 1.6μm-pixel image sensor at 12MP and 8MP resolution, respectively. The sensors also support Gyro-based electronic image stabilization (EIS) for fast and accurate image capture.
Moreover, a real-time high dynamic range (HDR) feature is included in the GD1 to provide better exposure, richer color and detail during selfie-videos or streaming live video content even in low-light and high-contrast environments.
Demand for ultra-small, high-resolution image sensors are growing as smartphones evolve to deliver new and more exciting camera experiences for users. With the introduction of our cutting-edge 0.8μm-pixel Samsung ISOCELL Bright GM1 and GD1 image sensors, we are committed to continue driving innovation in image sensor technologies.- Ben K. Hur, Vice President, System LSI marketing, Samsung Electronics
Meeting the rising challenge of fitting multiple cameras into the sleek designs of the latest smartphones, the new sensors, complete with a reduced pixel size, provide greater design flexibility. This can enable camera module manufacturers to build smaller modules or fit more pixels into existing designs, and thereby also focus on maximizing space utilization in slim, bezel-less smartphones.
The Samsung ISOCELL Bright GM1 and GD1 are expected to be in mass production in the fourth quarter of 2018.