Micron Technology, Inc. Liberates the Security Camera Market with High-Quality Imaging

Business Wire, April 3, 2006

BOISE, Idaho -- Micron Technology, Inc. (NYSE:MU):

--Micron Unveils a Broad Portfolio of Image Sensors for Consumer and Commercial Security Camera Applications at ISC West; Leading Security Camera Manufacturers and Integrators to Showcase Micron Image Sensor-Based Camera Applications

At the International Security Conference (ISC) West this week in Las Vegas, Micron Technology, Inc. (NYSE:MU), a worldwide provider of image sensors and advanced memory solutions, will unveil an extensive portfolio of image sensors for the growing consumer and commercial security camera markets. Micron's image sensors are based on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, providing inherent technical advantages for security applications including optimum image performance, high dynamic range, low noise, faster frame rates and small form factors.

"We are leveraging our technological innovation and market leadership in the camera phone market and applying that knowledge and industry expertise to the rapidly growing security camera market," said Bob Gove, vice president of Micron Technology, Inc.'s imaging group. "Already, we are building strong momentum in the security arena with customers using Micron's sensors in their camera applications."

As the market for security and surveillance cameras continues to grow throughout the world, the need for increasing levels of image quality and functionality at affordable prices is of particular importance. With a complete portfolio of image sensors designed for the security market, Micron is providing manufacturers with the option to choose the best sensor that matches their design needs, whether for a consumer or a commercial camera application.

Micron's CMOS-based security image sensors are easy to design-in and deliver exceptional imaging performance in low light situations with both near-IR and visible sub-lux (equivalent to the light from one candle) imaging capability. Additionally, by leveraging its legacy in high-speed sensor techniques, Micron's portfolio of security image sensors provides extraordinarily high sensitivity and high frame rates, important for capturing clear, real-time video.

Fueling the consumer security camera market is home owners' desire to purchase low-cost, high-quality do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions they can install, maintain and run themselves. Previously, most camera systems available at this DIY level produced flickering, washed-out images. To meet consumer demand, manufacturers are working with Micron to design in its line of high-quality CMOS-based image sensors to provide a low-cost, proven performance camera system that will open the door to new opportunities. Micron's line of CMOS image sensors for the consumer market includes:

--Micron's 1/4-inch VGA image sensor (product number MT9V135) providing digital or analog output in NTSC or PAL format through a TV, computer monitor, or a receiver packaged with an off-the-shelf system, delivering excellent video quality, especially in low-light and bright light conditions. The sensor incorporates complete system-on-chip (SoC) camera processing capabilities, simplifying camera module design and reducing component count.

--Micron's 1/4-inch VGA image sensor (product number MT9V131) allowing designers to design a networked home camera solution that produces high-quality digital video output. This sensor is a complete SoC solution, providing simple plug-and-play camera functionality.

--Micron's 1/3-inch, 1.3-megapixel image sensor (product number MT9M131), with its larger size and resolution, providing the home network camera with more scene detail or a wider field of view.

--Micron's 2-megapixel, 1/3.2-inch image sensor (product number MT9D131) enabling electronic tilt and pan when viewed remotely.

For the commercial security camera market, it is important for cameras to capture clear, crisp images with vivid color disparity in a high dynamic range of lighting conditions, all in the same scene. Micron's line of image sensors designed for the commercial security camera market includes:

--Micron's 1/3-inch, wide VGA image sensor (product number MT9V032) enabling cameras to see well in both dark and well lit regions within the same scene. Additionally, most image sensors have a dynamic range of about 45db, where this sensor is closer to 100db.

--Micron's 2-megapixel, 1/3.2-inch image sensor (product number MT9D131) providing electronic pan, tilt and zoom functionality, ideal for cameras running on a 24-hour operation. Without any motors or camera movement, this sensor can cover a wide field of view.

--Micron's 3-megapixel and 5-megapixel image sensors (product numbers MT9T031 and MT9P031) providing a complete panoramic view when coupled with a fisheye lens.

--Additionally, Micron's 2-, 3- and 5-megapixel image sensors (product numbers MT9D131, MT9T031 and MT9P031) are ideal for camera applications needing to capture what is happening in an entire room or field of view, or drill down and focus on small but important details. These three sensors are also capable of running full resolution at 15 frames per second (fps) and sub-windowed regions of the field of view at 30 fps or greater.