Samsung announced at MWC 2015 new mobile component solutions including an 8-megapixel (MP) RWB (Red-White-Blue) image sensor based on ISOCELL technology and an NFC (Near Field Communication) integrated circuit (IC) with improved RF (Radio Frequency) performance. Samsung's 8 MP ISOCELL RWB CMOS image sensor, the S5K4H5YB, provides a solution for front-facing mobile cameras, thanks to its low light performance that also preserves color fidelity in pictures. By combining ISOCELL technology with Samsung's newly developed RWB color pattern filter, the new image sensor maximizes the quality of digital images.

Samsung says its proprietary ISOCELL technology increases light sensitivity and effectively controls the collection of photons, resulting in higher color fidelity even in poor lighting conditions. Physical barriers between each ISOCELL pixel allow 30 percent decrease in crosstalk and 30 percent increase in full-well capacity when compared to conventional BSI (Back Side Illumination) pixels.

The newly devised RWB color pattern further enhances light sensitivity and color fidelity, allowing an improvement of over 3 dB (decibels) in SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) in low light settings. In addition, the high similarity between the RWB and RGB patterns eliminates the need for an RGB convertor in a RWB filter, which prevents unnecessary color deviation.

Combining Samsung?s ISOCELL and RWB technology, the new front-facing 8 MP image sensor provides essential improvements in light sensitivity and color fidelity.

Samples of the 8 MP RWB ISOCELL image sensor are already available for Samsung's customers and mass production of the product is scheduled for the second quarter of this year.

Samsung's fourth-generation NFC solution (S3FWRN5P) features improved RF performance, showing an increase of about 100 percent over its predecessor in card mode and 20 percent in reader mode, respectively.

Due to the enhancement in RF performance, the NFC IC operates with one of the smallest antennas currently available in the market, which comes in a film-type form factor and can be attached to a smartphone battery without an extra booster IC.

The NFC IC also fulfills strict mobile POS (Point of Sales) requirements and is prepared to support next-generation smartphones. By utilizing Samsung's 45-nanometer embedded flash process technology, the new NFC IC also helps Samsung's customers save time and resources for additional development and certification.

Samsung's fourth-generation NFC IC is in mass production and reference designs are available for development.