NEC Electronics Introduces New SoC that Enables High-End Camera Functionality and Improved Functionalities for Camera Phones

KAWASAKI, Japan, DÜSSELDORF, Germany, SANTA CLARA, Calif. (U.S.A.), NEC Electronics (TSE: 6723) today introduced its new camera engine 151 (CE151) system-on-chip (SoC), an image processing device for camera phones to provide clear and high-quality images comparable to digital-still cameras (DSCs).
In 2007, NEC Electronics launched the CE131 SoC, which provided the eight- megapixel mobile-phone market segment with accumulated shipments exceeding 30 million units. NEC Electronics also introduced the CE143 SoC in 2009, which enabled processing of 12-Megapixel images and full high-definition (HD) video. To continue this success, the new CE151 SoC provides advanced picture quality, performance, and functions for still images and video data, using even lower power consumption.
The new CE151 SoC allows mobile phones to output full-HD (1080-pixel) video stream and still image data up to 13 megapixels received by the CMOS sensor. The Camera Engine Software Platform is designed for re-usability with a rich and easy-to-use command-layer application-programming interface (API). Backward compatibility with previous NEC Electronics’ CE series supports a smooth transition for existing customers to reach a new height in camera performance and functionality in mobile phones.

Main features of the CE151 SoC

* 1) Further improved noise-reduction function
Based on the customer demands for higher image quality, the new SoC has an improved noise-reduction function that minimizes distortion caused by lenses and offer the latest generation 1.1 micron sensors to record still images and video frames.
* 2) Lowered power consumption by approximately 25 percent
The new CE151 SoC has reduced energy consumption of approximately 25 percent from the existing CE143 product offering, achieving both a lower demand for energy and higher performance, two elements particularly critical for camera phones.
* 3) Supports SpeedTags™ technology to eliminate shutter lag
NEC Electronics’ CE151 SoC implements SpeedTags™ technology from Scalado, a world leading imaging company that manages the delay between pressing the capture button and saving the captured image. This technology enables users to instantly capture multi-megapixel images without any shutter lag. This gives greater freedom to photographers and enhances a whole variety of camera phone functions, including burst capturing and viewing.
* 4) Further improved image-stabilizing function
By improving the noise reduction feature, the new CE151 SoC also realizes advanced image stabilizing and optical compensation technologies that can be found in the high-end DSCs to produce crystal-clear, well-balanced digital photos.


NEC Electronics believes the new CE151 SoC provides a significant step towards achieving advanced DSC performance on a camera phone and enables mobile phone manufacturers to expand their product coverage beyond the traditional mobile phone market.

Please refer to the appendix for the main specifications of the CE151

Pricing and Availability

Samples of CE151 SoC are available now with pricing of US $40 per unit (additional charge for technical support). The projected total monthly production of 1.0 million units is scheduled by April 2010. Pricing and availability are subject to change. More information about NEC Electronics’ Camera Engine product offerings can be found at http://www.eu.necel.com/news/events/mobile_world_congress/index.html.
(Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.)

Exhibition at MWC

NEC Electronics will exhibit the CE151 SoC in a demonstration in NEC’s booth (Hall 8, Stand 8A125) at the Mobile World Congress 2010 (MWC 2010) to be held in Barcelona, Spain from February 15 to 18, 2010.

(Remark)
SpeedTags is a trademark of Scalado. All other products and services mentioned in this text are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

About NEC Electronics

NEC Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) specializes in semiconductor products encompassing advanced technology solutions for the high-end computing and broadband networking markets; system solutions for the mobile handset, PC peripheral, automotive and digital consumer markets; and multi-market solutions for a wide range of customer applications. NEC Electronics Corporation has subsidiaries worldwide including NEC Electronics America, Inc. and NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH. More information about NEC Electronics worldwide can be found at www.necel.com.