e2v, the global innovator of imaging solutions and TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, have today announced that e2v’s standard and custom CMOS image sensor solutions are now available with a newly developed generation of global shutter pixels. This advanced solution has been developed by TowerJazz at TowerJazz Panasonic Semiconductor Co. (TPSCo), made possible by its long heritage and proven experience in imaging technology. Working together, e2v and TowerJazz have used their combined expertise to leverage this new technology and accelerate its availability to the market within a rapid time frame.
TPSCo’s ability to produce premium quality image sensors enabled TowerJazz to develop a significantly smaller global shutter pixel. e2v then integrated this new technology into its state-of-the-art industrial sensors. This innovation offers highly optimised electro-optical performance with impressively low dark current noise characteristics. This solution is the world’s smallest global shutter pixel, on a 110nm technology node with extremely high shutter efficiency. It will also serve next generation industrial and 3D gesture recognition market segments.
The new technology platform from TowerJazz will be transferred from Arai, Japan to Migdal Haemek, Israel to support large sensors and stitching, providing dual sourcing to its growing customer base. The overall image sensor market is predicted to be worth 17.5 Billion USD by 2020[1] and this new product offering will enable e2v and Towerjazz to capitalise on this market growth.
François Thouret, President of Professional Imaging at e2v, said, “Our successful relationship with TowerJazz extends over 10 years. We are very proud to be the leading customer partnering with them and TPSCo to bring this innovative imaging solution to the market. In a fast changing and demanding industry, the availability of this groundbreaking technology is a key milestone to ensure our standard and custom solutions fulfil the current and future needs of our customers.”
Dr. Avi Strum, TowerJazz Senior VP and General Manager of CMOS Image Sensor Business Unit, said, “We are very pleased to have collaborated with e2v to produce the first sensor in the world with pixels as small as 2.8um. e2v has been a strong and dedicated partner to TowerJazz. Its exceptional capabilities in CMOS sensor design technology help deliver the best results from our leading process technology, allowing us both to gain market share in this innovative and competitive market.”
