Toshiba announces 13 PM 1.12 micrometer BSI CMOS sensor

The small pixel size enables the construction of camera modules measuring only 8.5 x 8.5 x 4.5 mm. Toshiba will ship samples of the new 13 MP module to manufacturers of smartphones and tablets immediately at a price of around 1,500 Yen (US-$ 19) per piece. Volume production is expected to commence in May 2013. According to the Japanese information service PEN Weekly, Toshiba will add modules with 8 MP, 2 MP and Full HD resolution later next year. While Toshiba currently holds a market share of 10 percent in the segment of camera modules for smartphones and tablets, the company targets to leverage its new technology to reach a 30 percent market share by 2015.