Higher sensitivity at IR enables advanced security for mobile devices

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 8, 2015 — (PRNewswire) —   Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. ( TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today introduced its first CMOS image sensor to enable iris recognition for improved security on mobile devices. The 2.1-megapixel (MP) T4KE1 captures images for recognition with higher sensitivity than conventional CMOS image sensors by omitting the usual color filter in the pixel structure, which increases sensitivity in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum.

In recent years, mobile devices – smartphones, tablets, laptops and notebook computers – have adopted user authentication systems to protect access and information security. While fingerprint recognition has grown in use, password entry remains the most common approach. Iris recognition is expected to deliver a better solution, as it offers a high degree of protection without the risk associated with lost or misused passwords, and allows the creation of "you are the password" access.

"This is an exciting time for the image sensor business, as new applications and technologies are affording electronics manufacturers wider opportunities for improving their devices' capabilities," said Andrew Burt, vice president of the Image Sensor Business Unit, System LSI Group at TAEC. "Toshiba is helping device makers meet these growing requirements by continually introducing innovative technology into our CMOS image sensor family, such as the NIR iris recognition in our new T4KE1."

The T4KE1 features an optical size of 1/7.3 inch and pixel pitch of 1.12 micrometer BSI. Image output is 60 frames per second (fps) at 1080p (100fps at VGA). Its MIPI CSI-2 serial interface, widely used in mobile devices, facilitates the sensor's integration into end products, and a picture flipping function allows output images to be easily flipped both horizontally and vertically.

Toshiba has also designed, and provides with the T4KE1, a 5.20mm(x) x 6.00mm(y) x 4.06mm(z) reference camera module, enabling customers to evaluate use of the sensor in their mobile products. Included with the modules are design information and technical support to help shorten development turnaround time and contribute to creation of thinner, smaller mobile devices.

Availability
Samples of the T4KE1 CMOS image sensor are available now. Mass production is set to begin in December 2015.

*About TAEC
Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, VARs, distributors and fabless chip companies worldwide.  A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state hybrid drives (SSHDs), discrete devices, custom SoCs/ASICs, imaging products, microcontrollers, wireless components, mobile peripheral devices, advanced materials and medical tubes that make possible today's leading smartphones, tablets, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics, industrial applications, enterprise solutions and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's sixth largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2014 Worldwide Semiconductor Revenue Estimates, December 2014). Founded in Tokyo in 1875, Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of over 590 consolidated companies employing over 200,000 people worldwide. Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.

© 2015 Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. All rights reserved.

Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice. Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable Toshiba product specifications.

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SOURCE Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.

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Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. Web: http://www.toshiba.com/taec