1. A new microchip ushers in cheaper digital cameras
- Author
-
Johannes, Laura
- Subjects
Semiconductor chips -- Product development ,Semiconductor industry -- Product development ,Electronic cameras -- Design and construction ,Technology development ,Semiconductor device ,Digital camera ,Business ,Business, general - Abstract
Technological advances in complementary metal-oxide conductors, or CMOS chips, have allowed companies such as Nintendo and Mattel to manufacture less expensive digital cameras. Researchers achieved a significant digital imaging breakthrough by adapting CMOS chips to the cameras's light-gathering sensor, or eye. This achievement has resulted in CMOS light sensors that can be mass produced inexpensively in giant factories that already manufacture ordinary PC chips. CMOS holds some other advantages over the charge-coupled device, or CCD sensor, in light sensing. Not only can the CMOS sensors handle multiple functions, they also require less battery power. Key drawbacks include CCD's sharper pictures as well as some early CMOS sensor prototypes that do not guarantee savings. Eastman Kodak, Motorola, Intel and Japan's Toshiba are among the at least six vendors racing to produce the least expensive and best CMOS chips. Motorola, Polaroid and Atmel are among the companies relying on CMOS technology to boost other consumer products.
- Published
- 1998