Boise-based Micron today introduced a .2" system-on-a-chip with 2-megapixel imaging capabilities at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The MT9D113 system-on-a-chip (SoC) utilizes a 1.75-micron pixel design, with Micron's trademarked DigitalClarity light sensor technology, and surface fit lens correction to allow a camera measuring only 6.5 x 6.5 millimeters to be built upon it. A device of that size would yield video of 15 frames per second (fps) at full resolution, and 30 fps in viewfinder mode.

Furthermore, the SoC can be flexibly applied, with a one-time-programmable memory, and both serial Mobile Industry Processor Interface and parallel outs. This means that it is not necessarily tied to a "standard configuration" of lenses and parameters.

Mass production of the Micron SoCs is expected to begin next month. With the smallest profile and cheapest cameras today typically offering between VGA and 1.3 Mp resolution, the introduction of lower-cost, higher-quality schematics could effectively raise the overall quality of mobile imaging by improving the lowest common denominator.