MagnaChip Semiconductor Ltd unveiled the industry's first Imaging System on a Chip (SoC) to " incorporate both industry leading image sensor and pixel technology, image processing and a digital auto-focus engine".

The newly launched MC531EA is a 1/3.2" optical format 3.2 mega-pixel (2048 x 1536) CMOS sensor which compromises of advanced image processing, a high speed 48-way SIMD processor which requires no external memory and can run enhanced depth of field (EDoF) and digital auto-focus (DAF) algorithms.

"The features we have incorporated into the MC531EA single chip solution are normally found in 3 chip solutions in digital still cameras," said Jason Hartlove, Senior Vice President of the Imaging Solutions Division. "While 3 mega-pixel cameras are leading edge for handset implementations, designs today require expensive multi-chip solutions with large, power hungry moving actuators which attempt to mimic the functionality of Digital Still Cameras (DSCs). MagnaChip, has gone beyond the DSC capabilities by integrating support for new technologies such as digital auto-focus, all within a single chip solution that does not require any external components. This eliminates the need for an actuator, making it easier for manufacturers to create small form factor, mechanically robust solutions with a lower total system cost."