Optimized Process Being Integrated Into Array of New Products

High-Tech Editors

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE) - Sep. 22, 2008-- Aptina Imaging announced today that recent advancements in its CMOS image sensor technology portfolio will be integrated into an array of new products for the mobile phone, high performance, surveillance and automotive markets. Aptina was created as a separate division of Micron Technology (NYSE:MU) in March of this year, providing the newly branded division with increased flexibility and a pure play imaging pursuit in the CMOS image sensor market. This separation has also provided Aptina with the opportunity to take on new technology challenges such as those recently added to the company's technology portfolio.

Key Milestones in CMOS Imaging Before becoming Aptina, Micron Imaging achieved key milestones in CMOS image sensors include developing the world's first 2.2-micron pixel architecture, pioneering 1.75-micron pixel architecture and 1.4-micron pixel architecture. As a leader in the mobile market, Micron secured designs in one of every three camera phones on the market. Similarly, the company's high performance technology made them an early industry leader in high-speed image capture, bringing high-definition capabilities to digital still cameras and video cameras like those demonstrated in the super high definition projects for NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).

Market Focus

Aptina's focus on imaging expertise provides a valuable backdrop to the technology the company is working on to meet the demands of the market, now and for the future. "As technologists, we inherently look for new ways to advance imaging technology. One example is the work we've done in directing light within pixels. This work allows us to make higher resolution image sensors in smaller form factors which enable the user to capture high quality images from any device anywhere. Working closely with our customers assists us in understanding existing markets and finding the right technologies for new markets requiring new solutions," says Bob Gove, President and Chief Technology Officer of Aptina. The company provides its customers with a broad range of solutions within mobile, digital still and video cameras, and industry solutions in automotive and security/surveillance. These solutions leverage the technology that Aptina has become known for, including shrinking pixels, improved pixel performance, and innovative technology.

Shrinking Pixels

Shrinking pixels is one of the key components in the technology integral to meeting the demand for higher resolution in consumer devices ranging from high-end mobile phones to point-and-shoot cameras and personal media video recorders. Small devices demand a small form factor which is enabled by the 1.4-micron pixel technology that Aptina announced in March of this year. Aptina's 1.4-micron pixel technology uses a proprietary process that optimizes the amount of light being funneled into the pixel's most sensitive area by focusing on the color filter array, the light guide and the photodiode. Using this technology, Aptina is able to produce 1.4-micron pixel high resolution image quality that outperforms today's leading-edge 1.75-micron pixels. The pixel is based on Aptina's new 90-nanometer copper process, which not only improves pixel performance but also reduces the physical size of the sensor, meeting the small form factor requirements of consumer devices.

Measurably Improved Pixel Performance

Aptina's 1.4-micron pixel technology lends itself to other imaging solutions and contains elements that enhance or improve the results of larger pixels, including Aptina's 1.75-micron pixel. By applying the 1.4-micron pixel's optimized technology to its 1.75-micron pixel, Aptina has significantly enhanced the 1.75-micron pixel performance. Optical 3-D simulations reveal an increase in light collection and reduced optical crosstalk resulting in an overall increased level of sensitivity of 2X. The technology's optimized light collection capabilities result in higher quality images for the consumer.

"The results we have seen with our new 1.4-micron pixel technology have inspired us to integrate these innovations into our 1.75-micron pixel products going forward," says Terry Gilton, Vice President of Technology at Aptina. "This decision says a great deal about the advancements we have made in optimizing the pixel optical path." Gilton adds "Innovation is the key to the future of imaging. We are exploring Backside Illumination in at least three forms and several variations on Frontside Illumination to create products that meet our customer's needs today and moving forward."

Looking Forward

"Aptina is continually striving for best-in-class image quality and continued leadership in core markets and manufacturing excellence," says Sandor Barna, Vice President of Marketing at Aptina. "As Aptina leverages its new business autonomy in the market, the company looks to generate market disruption via growth and exploration with its technology portfolio containing the improved 1.4-micron pixel and enhanced 1.75-micron pixel products which will be in production the second half of Q4," he adds.

2008 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information is subject to change without notice.

About Aptina Imaging

Aptina, a division of Micron Technology is a leading provider of 2, 3 and 5 mega-pixel CMOS image sensors to the industry's most popular, mainstream and high-end mobile phone manufacturers. Aptina's CMOS sensors bring high-quality picture and video capabilities to mobile phones, digital still cameras, personal media video recorders, security and surveillance cameras, PC cameras, automotive applications, and more.

Aptina continues to drive innovation in the market with its growing portfolio of CMOS technologies and image sensor solutions. For additional information on Aptina Imaging, visit www.aptina.com.

About Micron

Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, NAND flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components, and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products. Micron's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit www.micron.com.

Aptina, the Aptina logo, Micron and the Micron orbit logo are trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents the Company files on a consolidated basis from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the Company's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause the actual results for the Company on a consolidated basis to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements (see Certain Factors).

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.

Aptina Imaging

Mark Wilson, 408-660-2298 markwilson@aptina.com

JIMTOF 2008 (The 24th Japan International Machine Tool Fair)

TOKYO, Oct. 10/Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/--

The Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association (located in Tokyo's Minato-ku, Chairman: Kenichi Nakamura), along with Tokyo Big Sight Inc. (located in Tokyo's Koto-ku, President: Kenichi Shimada) will hold the six-day-long JIMTOF 2008 (the 24th Japan International Machine Tool Fair) at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center "Tokyo Big Sight" (3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo). The event will take place from Thursday, October 30, 2008, to Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

About JIMTOF

JIMTOF, intended to exhibit machine tools and various related machines, equipment and information, is a trade fair widely recognized and attended by all manufacturers in Japan, the world's largest producer of machine tools in the world. The fair features state-of-the-art manufacturing and processing technologies on a grand scale at Japan's largest exhibition hall, Tokyo Big Sight, which provides over 82,660 square meters of indoor exhibit space. The fair attracts attention and garners acclaim from people working in the manufacturing industry not only in Japan but all over the world. With the West Special Hall (1,860 square meters) to be set up, the 24th fair will be the largest exhibition of its kind ever in terms of space. With 829 companies taking part, the number of booths for companies from abroad will be double that of the previous event (2006).

Outline Name of Exhibition: JIMTOF 2008 (The 24th Japan International Machine Tool Fair)

Purpose: For contribution to the development of industry and trade promotion through increased international transactions and technical exchanges involving machine tools and their related equipment.

Date: October 30th, 2008 - November 4th, 2008 [for six days]

Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm [until 5:00 pm on the final day]

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight [Tokyo International Exhibition Center] 3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan

Organizers: Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association Tokyo Big Sight Inc.

Supporting Organizations: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

Net Exhibit Space: 47,079 sq m (an increase of about 1,000 sq m from the previous fair), 5,231 booths 829 exhibitors [including 258 co-exhibitors] 52 exhibitors from overseas (271 booths)

Participating Countries/Areas: 15 countries/areas United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Italy, India, Australia, Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Taiwan, China, Germany, Japan [in the order of the Japanese syllabary]

Indoor Exhibition Space: 85,520 sq m [including the specially installed pavilion]

Exhibits: Machine tools / Metal-forming machines / Machine tool accessories / High-speed steel tools / Cemented carbide tools / Diamond, CBN tools / Grinding wheels & abrasives / Gears, Gear devices / Oil hydraulic, pneumatic & water hydraulic machinery / Precision measuring instruments / Optical measuring instruments / Testing equipment / Controller & related software [CAD, CAM, etc.] / Other associated machinery & equipment, raw materials, technologies, & publications

Admission: Pre-registration 1,000 yen [by October 29th, 2008] Registration on the day 3,000 yen No charge for students [student ID needed] Number of Visitors: 130,000 visitors expected

URL: http://www.jimtof.org/eng/index.html

Parallel Events Lectures & seminars [prior applications from the official website necessary] - Keynote Speech [free] Title: The Future of Manufacture [tentative]

- Special Speech (1) [free] Title: Intelligence Strategies Surrounding Manufacture

- Special Speech (2) [1,000 yen] Title: The Contribution of "Super-Precision Machining" in Surmounting Global Warming

- JIMTOF Seminar (1) [1,000 yen] Title: Creating Management Characterized by Strong On-Site Improvements

- JIMTOF Seminar (2) [free] Title: Manufacture in the Aerospace Industry Seen from Materials Subject of speech [1]: Application of advanced composite materials to rapidly expanding aerospace field Subject of speech [2]: Metalworking technology for aerospace

The 13th IMEC [International Machine Tool Engineers' Conference] - Oral Session General Theme: Multi-Axis and Multi-Tasking Machines for Driving "MONOZUKURI" Innovation

-Poster Session Theme: "New Technology in Machine Tools"

JIMTOF 2008 Industry-University Collaboration Project [limited to students] 1. Students from local universities visit JIMTOF and join seminars About 230 science and technology students are invited from across the nation to JIMTOF 2008 for a tour of the venue guided by university teachers. About 250 students from the Kanto region also plan to participate in a separate tour.

2. Related Seminars - JIMTOF Seminar (for students): "Let's talk with leaders in various filds and seek to achieve top status yourselves!"

- Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers RC240 Seminar [participants limited]

- JIMTOF Seminar Reception (for students)

- Guidance to JIMTOF "Attractions"

- Distribution of JIMTOF Guidebook* for students [to be confirmed] *Japanese-language edition only

Special Exhibitions - Demonstration of mechanical wristwatch assembly by adept specialist

- Special craftsmanship: Demonstration of "polishing" technique by specialist

- One and only ironworks comic strip "Natchan": Concept display

- MONOZUKURI by students: Challenging Le Mans 24-hour race!

- Relations between machine tools [direct motion system] and quake-absorbing structure

Advance Registration - Advance registration through the JIMTOF website is also required of journalists. URL: http:/ touroku.jimtof.org/eng/press/

Source: JIMTOF 2008 PR Office

Contact:

Asahara, Tagami, Taguchi, Watanabe, Horii

Sales Division 2, Sales Division 4

JIMTOF 2008 PR Office

Phone: +81-3-5572-6062

Fax: +81-3-5572-6065

E-mail: jimtof2008@antil.jp

JIMTOF, intended to exhibit machine tools and various related machines, equipment and information, is a trade fair widely recognized and attended by all manufacturers in Japan, the world's largest producer of machine tools in the world.

The fair features state-of-the-art manufacturing and processing technologies on a grand scale at Japan's largest exhibition hall, Tokyo Big Sight, which provides over 82,660 square meters of indoor exhibit space. The fair attracts attention and garners acclaim from people working in the manufacturing industry not only in Japan but all over the world.

With the West Special Hall (1,860 square meters) to be set up, the 24th fair will be the largest exhibition of its kind ever in terms of space. With 829 companies taking part, the number of booths for companies from abroad will be double that of the previous event (2006).

    Outline
    Name of Exhibition:
    JIMTOF 2008 (The 24th Japan International Machine Tool Fair)

    Purpose:
    For contribution to the development of industry and trade promotion through increased international transactions and technical exchanges involving machine tools and their related equipment.

    Date:
    October 30th, 2008 - November 4th, 2008 [for six days]

    Opening Hours:
    9:00 am - 6:00 pm [until 5:00 pm on the final day]

    Venue:
    Tokyo Big Sight [Tokyo International Exhibition Center]
    3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan

    Organizers:
    Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association
    Tokyo Big Sight Inc.

    Supporting Organizations:
    Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
    NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

    Net Exhibit Space:
    47,079 sq m (an increase of about 1,000 sq m from the previous fair), 5,231 booths
    829 exhibitors [including 258 co-exhibitors]
    52 exhibitors from overseas (271 booths)

    Participating Countries/Areas:
    15 countries/areas
    United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Italy, India, Australia, Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Taiwan, China, Germany, Japan [in the order of the Japanese syllabary]

    Indoor Exhibition Space:
    85,520 sq m [including the specially installed pavilion]

    Exhibits:
    Machine tools / Metal-forming machines / Machine tool accessories / High-speed steel tools / Cemented carbide tools / Diamond, CBN tools / Grinding wheels & abrasives / Gears, Gear devices / Oil hydraulic, pneumatic & water hydraulic machinery / Precision measuring instruments / Optical measuring instruments / Testing equipment  / Controller & related software [CAD, CAM, etc.] / Other associated machinery & equipment, raw materials, technologies, & publications

    Admission:
    Pre-registration 1,000 yen [by October 29th, 2008]
    Registration on the day 3,000 yen
    No charge for students [student ID needed]

    Number of Visitors:
    130,000 visitors expected

URL:

http://www.jimtof.org/eng/index.html

Parallel Events

Lectures & seminars [prior applications from the official website necessary]

- Keynote Speech [free]

Title: The Future of Manufacture [tentative]

- Special Speech (1) [free]

Title: Intelligence Strategies Surrounding Manufacture

- Special Speech (2) [1,000 yen]

Title: The Contribution of "Super-Precision Machining" in Surmounting Global Warming

- JIMTOF Seminar (1) [1,000 yen]

Title: Creating Management Characterized by Strong On-Site Improvements

- JIMTOF Seminar (2) [free]

Title: Manufacture in the Aerospace Industry Seen from Materials

Subject of speech [1]:

Application of advanced composite materials to rapidly expanding aerospace field

Subject of speech [2]:

Metalworking technology for aerospace

The 13th IMEC [International Machine Tool Engineers' Conference]

- Oral Session

General Theme: Multi-Axis and Multi-Tasking Machines for Driving "MONOZUKURI" Innovation

-Poster Session

Theme: "New Technology in Machine Tools"

JIMTOF 2008 Industry-University Collaboration Project [limited to students]

1. Students from local universities visit JIMTOF and join seminars

About 230 science and technology students are invited from across the nation to JIMTOF 2008 for a tour of the venue guided by university teachers. About 250 students from the Kanto region also plan to participate in a separate tour.

2. Related Seminars

- JIMTOF Seminar (for students): "Let's talk with leaders in various fields and seek to achieve top status yourselves!"

- Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers RC240 Seminar [participants limited]

- JIMTOF Seminar Reception (for students)

- Guidance to JIMTOF "Attractions"

- Distribution of JIMTOF Guidebook* for students [to be confirmed]

*Japanese-language edition only

Special Exhibitions

- Demonstration of mechanical wristwatch assembly by adept specialist

- Special craftsmanship: Demonstration of "polishing" technique by specialist

- One and only ironworks comic strip "Natchan": Concept display

- MONOZUKURI by students: Challenging Le Mans 24-hour race!

- Relations between machine tools [direct motion system] and quake-absorbing structure

Advance Registration

- Advance registration through the JIMTOF website is also required of journalists.

URL: http://touroku.jimtof.org/eng/press/

    Contact:
    Asahara, Tagami, Taguchi, Watanabe, Horii
    Sales Division 2, Sales Division 4
    JIMTOF 2008 PR Office
    Phone: +81-3-5572-6062
    Fax: +81-3-5572-6065
    E-mail: jimtof2008@antil.jp

SOURCE JIMTOF2008 PR Office

http://touroku.jimtof.org/eng/press/

Before becoming Aptina, Micron Imaging achieved key milestones in CMOS image sensors include developing the world's first 2.2-micron pixel architecture, pioneering 1.75-micron pixel architecture and 1.4-micron pixel architecture. As a leader in the mobile market, Micron secured designs in one of every three camera phones on the market. Similarly, the company's high performance technology made them an early industry leader in high-speed image capture, bringing high-definition capabilities to digital still cameras and video cameras like those demonstrated in the super high definition projects for NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).

Market Focus

Aptina's focus on imaging expertise provides a valuable backdrop to the technology the company is working on to meet the demands of the market, now and for the future. "As technologists, we inherently look for new ways to advance imaging technology. One example is the work we've done in directing light within pixels. This work allows us to make higher resolution image sensors in smaller form factors which enable the user to capture high quality images from any device anywhere. Working closely with our customers assists us in understanding existing markets and finding the right technologies for new markets requiring new solutions," says Bob Gove, President and Chief Technology Officer of Aptina. The company provides its customers with a broad range of solutions within mobile, digital still and video cameras, and industry solutions in automotive and security/surveillance. These solutions leverage the technology that Aptina has become known for, including shrinking pixels, improved pixel performance, and innovative technology.

Shrinking Pixels

Shrinking pixels is one of the key components in the technology integral to meeting the demand for higher resolution in consumer devices ranging from high-end mobile phones to point-and-shoot cameras and personal media video recorders. Small devices demand a small form factor which is enabled by the 1.4-micron pixel technology that Aptina announced in March of this year. Aptina's 1.4-micron pixel technology uses a proprietary process that optimizes the amount of light being funneled into the pixel's most sensitive area by focusing on the color filter array, the light guide and the photodiode. Using this technology, Aptina is able to produce 1.4-micron pixel high resolution image quality that outperforms today's leading-edge 1.75-micron pixels. The pixel is based on Aptina's new 90-nanometer copper process, which not only improves pixel performance but also reduces the physical size of the sensor, meeting the small form factor requirements of consumer devices.

Measurably Improved Pixel Performance

Aptina's 1.4-micron pixel technology lends itself to other imaging solutions and contains elements that enhance or improve the results of larger pixels, including Aptina's 1.75-micron pixel. By applying the 1.4-micron pixel's optimized technology to its 1.75-micron pixel, Aptina has significantly enhanced the 1.75-micron pixel performance. Optical 3-D simulations reveal an increase in light collection and reduced optical crosstalk resulting in an overall increased level of sensitivity of 2X. The technology's optimized light collection capabilities result in higher quality images for the consumer.

"The results we have seen with our new 1.4-micron pixel technology have inspired us to integrate these innovations into our 1.75-micron pixel products going forward," says Terry Gilton, Vice President of Technology at Aptina. "This decision says a great deal about the advancements we have made in optimizing the pixel optical path." Gilton adds "Innovation is the key to the future of imaging. We are exploring Backside Illumination in at least three forms and several variations on Frontside Illumination to create products that meet our customer's needs today and moving forward."

Looking Forward

"Aptina is continually striving for best-in-class image quality and continued leadership in core markets and manufacturing excellence," says Sandor Barna, Vice President of Marketing at Aptina. "As Aptina leverages its new business autonomy in the market, the company looks to generate market disruption via growth and exploration with its technology portfolio containing the improved 1.4-micron pixel and enhanced 1.75-micron pixel products which will be in production the second half of Q4," he adds.

(C)2008 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information is subject to change without notice.

About Aptina Imaging

Aptina, a division of Micron Technology is a leading provider of 2, 3 and 5 mega-pixel CMOS image sensors to the industry's most popular, mainstream and high-end mobile phone manufacturers. Aptina's CMOS sensors bring high-quality picture and video capabilities to mobile phones, digital still cameras, personal media video recorders, security and surveillance cameras, PC cameras, automotive applications, and more. Aptina continues to drive innovation in the market with its growing portfolio of CMOS technologies and image sensor solutions. For additional information on Aptina Imaging, visit www.aptina.com.

About Micron

Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, NAND flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components, and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products. Micron's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit www.micron.com.

Aptina, the Aptina logo, Micron and the Micron orbit logo are trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents the Company files on a consolidated basis from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the Company's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause the actual results for the Company on a consolidated basis to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements (see Certain Factors). Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.

SOURCE: Micron Technology, Inc.

Aptina Imaging 
Mark Wilson, 408-660-2298 
markwilson@aptina.com