Why Use EEPROM in Camera Modules?

Previously, various camera-related parameters were stored in the sensor's internal storage (OTP, supporting a maximum of three programming cycles). The drawbacks are obvious: errors during OTP programming render the sensor unusable, increasing production costs. Furthermore, sensor storage space is generally limited. As consumer demands for image quality and fast autofocus increase, the amount of data stored in camera modules (lens parameters, white balance parameters, autofocus position information, and other factory settings and version information) is growing, exceeding the capabilities of the sensor's internal space. EEPROM, with its versatility, stable data storage, and various capacities, meets the diverse parameter storage needs of camera modules. Currently, standard 8MB/13MB and above camera modules use 16-64KB EEPROM memory, while modules with OIS, dual cameras, and other features use larger capacity 64-128KB EEPROM memory.

The Past and Present of EEPROMs for Camera Modules - ?

The EEPROM market for camera modules was previously dominated by European, American, and Japanese companies, primarily represented by Onsemi, STMicroelectronics, Atmel, and Rohm. While these companies' EEPROM products offered good performance, they were expensive and lacked localized support. Therefore, the camera module industry hoped for domestically produced EEPROM memory to replace similar products from Europe, America, and Japan. Fortunately, leading domestic EEPROM memory companies such as Fudan Microelectronics (FM) and Juchen (GT) are now rapidly capturing the camera module EEPROM market with better cost-effectiveness.

In terms of performance, Fudan Microelectronics is comparable to European and American brands like Onsemi and ST, but it has advantages in supply, price, and service. Fudan Microelectronics (FM)'s EEPROM memory has already established a significant position in domestic industrial control instruments, electricity meters, Bluetooth, PC peripherals, and home appliances. Its rapid entry into the camera module field demonstrates its strong competitive advantage. It can be said that domestic production of EEPROM memory has become the mainstream and trend in the camera module industry.

Among many domestically produced EEPROM chips, Shanghai Belling has launched several WLCSP packaged EEPROM products specifically for the mobile phone camera CCM module market. With the booming development of the domestic and international CCM markets, Shanghai Belling has gradually launched a new generation of wide-voltage WLCSP packaged EEPROM products since 2015, with main models including: BL24C16/BL24C32/BL24C64/BL24C128.