Samsung and Ambarella Announces ASIC Partnership on 45nm High-Performance, Low-Power HD Hybrid Camera SOCs

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec 08, 2010  -- Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd., a global leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, and Ambarella, a leader in low-power, high-definition video compression and image processing semiconductors, today announced the availability of Ambarella's new A7 hybrid camera system-on-chip (SoC) product utilizing Samsung's latest 45-nanometer (nm) low power (LP) process technology. By leveraging Samsung's 45nm process technology and ASIC design services, Ambarella is able to deliver its best-in-class SoC technology for lifestyle HD cameras.

"We are pleased that Ambarella has chosen Samsung's rapidly growing ASIC business to be its partner at this leading-edge technology node," said SH Hong, vice president of System LSI for Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. "Today's announcement marks the availability of the second generation of Ambarella camera SoCs to be manufactured at our S Line fab, following the success of the existing A5S family."

Ambarella was able to shorten the design cycle for faster time to revenue by working closely together with Samsung's ASIC design center, and by incorporating Samsung's silicon verified IPs such as ARM1136, and embedded SRAM blocks. Ambarella also utilized Samsung's full turn-key offering, including manufacturing, test and packaging, to reduce development and production time.

"To compete in the fast moving digital camera market, close collaboration with our technology partner is absolutely essential to provide innovative, high-performance/low-power products to compete in our key markets," said Didier LeGall, executive vice president for Ambarella. "Partnering with Samsung gave us access to the most advanced silicon process in addition to excellent design services."

Ambarella's A7 hybrid camera SoC delivers full HD 1080p60 or 4Mp30 H.264 video recording, the highest resolution available for consumer level cameras. Its high-speed 500Mpixels/second capture capability enables numerous new features including smooth slow-motion

 replay for sports action, high dynamic range (HDR) processing, and best-picture selection from a series of shots. Outstanding still image quality is achieved even in low-light conditions through the combination of high-ISO speed, 3D motion-compensated noise reduction (MCTF) and multiple exposures.

About Ambarella

Ambarella is a technology leader in low-power, high-definition video compression and image processing semiconductors. Ambarella products are helping to define a new class of hybrid digital cameras that bring consumers unmatched high definition video and digital still images together in one device. Many cameras and camcorders from top brands have been shipping worldwide using Ambarella SoCs. Ambarella's technology is also widely used in broadcasting and a large amount of TV programming worldwide is transmitted using Ambarella compression chips. Additionally, Ambarella SoCs are well suited to drive the latest generation of high-definition Security IP cameras and volume production shipments have been deployed world-wide. For more information on the Ambarella product line, please visit http://www.ambarella.com.

About Samsung Electronics' Foundry Business

Samsung Electronics' Foundry business is dedicated to support fabless and IDM semiconductor companies offering full service solutions encompassing design kits and proven IP to fully turnkey manufacturing to achieve market success with advanced IC designs. Currently in mass production at 45 nanometer (nm), Samsung Foundry is also preparing next generation 32/28nm and beyond process technologies by leveraging the deep expertise in advanced process technologies, design technologies, as well as a long, proven track record in high-volume manufacturing with its continued participation in the IBM Joint Development Alliance (JDA). For more information, please visit www.samsung.com/Foundry.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.