IBM Corp has introduced two new sensor chips aimed at the digital camera market. The charge coupled devices (known as CCDs) convert light into electronic signals, which are then digitized by the camera. IBM is working with digital camera manufacturers to incorporate the two chips into complete production designs. The chips, based on technology designed by Polaroid and manufactured by IBM for the last five years, are being built at IBM Microelectronics eight-inch fab facilities, using a 0.5-0.35 micron process. The new packaging marks a move to bring the technology down to more affordable levels. IBM says it’s aware of efforts from companies such as the Vision Group Plc to introduce CMOS-based vision sensors, which use up less space and power, but claims that the older CCD technology still offers better resolutions. The chips should be in production by the first quarter of 1999, with the first products out in the second half of the year.
