Agilent Technologies Offers Economical, Compact CMOS Image Sensors and Image Processors

Business Wire, Oct 30, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2000

Leader in CMOS Imaging Provides Integrated

Solution for Still and Full-Motion Imaging

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A), a leading provider of innovative technologies for communications and life sciences, today announced a new, extremely compact CMOS sensor and a family of processing ICs that provide complete full-motion and still digital image capture. These devices offer camera manufacturers an integrated, economical solution that speeds time to market for high-volume products serving the digital imaging market. These new products are a significant step in Agilent's plan to offer completely integrated imaging modules to handheld phone and portable computer manufacturers.

Agilent has used its decades of experience in processing images for printer applications to create a sophisticated, compact solution for digital cameras. Agilent's new image processors provide excellent color correction and low-light sensitivity, as well as low power consumption to extend battery life. One of the new processors also includes controller circuitry that offers Universal Serial Bus (USB) compatibility, so end users can quickly and easily plug cameras into PCs.

The new CMOS image sensors provide both VGA (640 by 480 pixel) and CIF (352 by 288 pixel) resolutions in a very small, 13.5 mm by 14.5 mm package. These devices are aimed at high-volume products serving the "web camera" market, where smaller image size is desirable to avoid excessive browser loading time. More detailed information on Agilent's imaging products may be found at www.semiconductor.agilent.com/cmos/index.html.> "Agilent's integrated solution reduces design time and offers improved image quality for high-volume applications, enabling a significant increase in the number of people who can send images around the world," said Jason Hartlove, business unit manager of Agilent's Imaging Electronics Division. "We are committed to providing ever-increasing imaging performance in smaller packages that consume less power to keep pace with the needs of the consumer."

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent HDCS-1020 (CIF-resolution) and HDCS-2020 (VGA-resolution) CMOS image sensors are priced from $10 to $14, depending on resolution and quantity. The new processors include the HDCP-2010 JPEG/YUV image processing chip, the HDCP-2000 USB PC camera image processing chip, and the HDCP-3200 dual-mode still camera controller chip. They are priced ranging from $8 to $20, depending on model and quantity. All of these new devices are available in production quantities today.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 46,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 1999, Agilent had net revenue of more than $8.3 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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