Solution in Silicon - Serving the Semiconductor Market across Europe

Solution in Silicon will be at the Sensors & Instrumentation show

2015-09-30T11:41:00.000+01:00

Solution in Silicon will be joining Delta Microelectronics at the Sensors & Instrumentation show at the NEC Birmingham tomorrow 1st October.

For more information email info@solutioninsilicon.com

China Eyeing Up GlobalFoundries

2015-09-01T11:43:00.000+01:00

China is talking to Abu Dhabi about buying GloFo, reports Digitimes.

China’s Hua Capital Management fund which manages China’s National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund is talking to GloFo’s owner, the Advanced Technology Investment Corp (ATIC) of Abu Dhabi, about buying GloFo.

To see the full article by David Manners click here.

Solution in Silicon will be at the nmi "Silicon for Systems" event at Rutherford Appleton Labs, Harwell on 3rd September 2015

2015-08-26T12:50:00.000+01:00

Meet us at Science and Technology Facilities, Rutherford Appleton Labs in Harwell Oxfordshire for the nmi "Silicon for Systems" event on 3rd September 2015.

GlobalFoundries completes acquisition of IBM microelectronics

2015-07-02T18:01:00.001+01:00

The acquistion gives GlobalFoundries a world-class capability in RF silicon-on-insulator (RFSOI) and in SiGe technologies to complement its existing technology offerings as well as access to IBMs ongoing semiconductor research.

GlobalFoundries increases its wafer manufacturing capability with the addition of fabs in East Fishkill and Essex Junction.

Click here to read the full article by David Manners of Electronics weekly

Top 20 Q1 Semi sales figures | Electronics Weekly

2015-05-22T13:31:00.001+01:00

Six top 20 companies had 20%+ growth in Q1 compared to Q1 2014, reports IC Insights. Mediatek entered the top 10 while ST dropped out. Sharp and UMC moved into the top 20 while Nvidia andAMD moved out.

The six are: Sharp at 62% thanks to CMOS image sensors and Sony with 26% also thanks to CMOS image sensors. The other four are TSMC up 44%, Hynix up 25%, Avago up 24% and GloFo up 21%.

After 12% y-o-y growth, MediaTek hit the top ten for the first time and is expected to hold its place in the year-end rankings.

The only three to decline compared to Q1 2014 are Toshiba down 2%, ST down 7% and Renesas down 21%.

Following its merger with IR, Infineon is now level-pegging with ST which drops out of the top ten.

When NXP and Freescale merge they will be a top ten company as will a merged Avago-Renesas – if that happens.

The top-20 semiconductor companies’ combined sales increased 9% y-o-y, which is 3% better than the total industry growth rate.

Hynix overtook Micron and is on a growth trajectory to overtake Qualcomm by the end of the year and take 4th place.

See more at: Top 20 Q1 Semi sales figures | Electronics Weekly

Promex Industries Acquires Quik-Pak, San Diego

2015-04-01T19:18:00.000+01:00

Promex Industries, announced today (April 1st 2015) the acquisition of San Diego based Quik-Pak, a division of Delphon. Quik-Pak will retain its San Diego, CA location and operate as a division of Promex. The combined entities are now able to offer a broader range of electronic and microelectronic assembly services.

To read full release click here.

Get a copy of the Promex Industries brochure from our downloads page or if you have a specific enquiry about IC assembly or IC package development services please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Solution in Silicon's ISO9001 Certificate updated

2015-03-31T10:03:00.001+01:00

Solution in Silicon's latest ISO9001:2008 certificate has been uploaded.

For a copy please go to our web site downloads page

Delta Microelectronic's new Optical chip demonstrated by Gert Jörgensen

2015-02-13T15:47:00.000+00:00

Delta Microelectronic's Gert Jörgensen demonstrates the optical chip and describes some of it's applications.

Solution in Silicon's new web site goes live

2014-12-17T20:00:00.000+00:00

A beta version of the new Solution in Silicon web site went live on 17th December 2014.
There is still much to do so expect quite a few updates in the coming month or two.

Solution in Silicon passes its 11th annual ISO9001:2008 audit

2014-12-03T13:00:00.000+00:00

Solution in Silicon passed its 11th annual ISO9001:2008 audit on 1st December 2014.

A copy of the certificate can be downloaded here.

Solution in Silicon will be attending the NMI Summit 2014

2014-11-17T11:30:00.000+00:00

NMI Summit 2014:Growth and Investment

NMI will host industry leading speakers from Imagination Technologies, NXP Semiconductors, Neul and other at this years Electronic Systems Industry Summit in London on November 20th.

Solution in Silicon will be attending. More ...

Global Invacom Chooses TowerJazz's SiGe BiCMOS Technology for its New Revolutionary Chipset for Software Configurable Satellite TV Reception

2014-09-15T17:15:00.000+01:00

For the first time, satellite TV equipment makers can design one programmable system for all global markets

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader and Global Invacom, a leading innovator and manufacturer of technology to the global satellite industry, announced today the production of a software configurable satellite TV chipset - Romeo & Juliet - for global applications enabled by TowerJazz’s advanced SiGe BiCMOS (SBC18) technologies and design enablement services.
For the first time, the chipset Global Invacom has developed allows satellite equipment makers to design one programmable system for all global markets. Global Invacom’s’ Romeo & Juliet based FibreIRS™ Mk 3 Gateway Termination Units (GTUs) and SwitchBlade Fibre-MultiSwitch (FMS) will be available from Q4/14 and Q1/15 respectively.
The Romeo & Juliet chipset lets OEMs develop their own range of FibreIRS™ compatible products for any satellite TV service frequency plan in the world with a single, programmable design, radically reducing manufacturing proliferation, driving cost reductions and increased ROI (return on investment). Romeo is a wide band LNA (low-noise amplifier), while the programmable Juliet dual-channel down-converter supports all the global frequency plans, avoiding the need for a separate discrete design for each region.
Global Invacom invented the widely used FibreIRS™ technology that distributes satellite TV from a whole-band LNB (low-noise block) or optical LNB around apartment blocks, MDUs (multi-dwelling units) and multiscreen enterprise networks requiring live TV services. The new chipset also supports a modular design so that TV feeds from extra satellites ......

You can read the full press release here...

TowerJazz 2014 Global Symposium (TGS) in Europe September 18th

2014-08-17T13:20:00.000+01:00

At TGS 2014, TowerJazz will communicate its plans for strategic growth, technology leadership and capacity expansion as well as additional opportunities provided to customers through its new enterprise, TowerJazz Panasonic Semiconductor Company (TPSCo).

TGS sessions will focus on how TowerJazz’s broad specialty and advanced process offerings innovate and accelerate manufacturing for its customers’ next-generation ICs.

Through collaboration with its customers, TowerJazz manufactures components to power, connect, and enable smart solutions for networking, industrial automation, smart energy, healthcare, automotive and consumer markets, among others.

For more information and to register click here.

TowerJazz Technical Webinars - ESD Offering 7th August 2014

2014-07-23T23:16:00.001+01:00

The webinar on August 7th will introduce to the design community the rich ESD offering provided by TowerJazz.

For more information and to register click here.

TowerJazz Announces its 2014 Global Symposium (TGS) Roadmap focused on Expanded Technology Offerings and Increased Manufacturing Capacity

2014-06-25T12:33:00.000+01:00

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, today announced the roadmap for its Global Symposiums (TGS) 2014 which will see participation from its customers, partners and suppliers at strategic international venues including China (July 24), Europe (September 18), the USA (November 19), and Japan (December 10). These events will include a keynote from TowerJazz CEO, Mr. Russell Ellwanger, presentations from company executives, and at select venues, talks from other semiconductor industry leaders.

TowerJazz and Genoray Announce Successful Development of Industry Changing CMOS Image Sensor for Medical Diagnostic Devices

2014-06-05T21:45:00.000+01:00

Replaces Existing Market Solution with 100µm Pixel Size, Higher Resolution, Reduction in X-ray Radiation and Optimized Images for more Cost-effective Medical Equipment

Market for CMOS Imaging for Medical Electronics is Growing Rapidly from $64M in 2012 to a projected $195M in 2017, a CAGR of 25.1%

TowerJazz and Genoray Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of digital X-ray devices, today announced collaboration on the successful development of a CMOS image sensor (CIS) for medical diagnostic devices such as X-ray equipment, fluoroscopy and radiography. Genoray utilized TowerJazz’s 0.18µm CIS stitch process to develop the novel device which has a 100µm pixel size and contains higher resolution compared to other devices on the market. Also, it has a special feature to control the sensitivity of the pixel which can be applied in various types of medical equipment such as surgical C-Arms and portable X-ray machines.

This new device is a CIS detector whereas the existing market uses a silicon TFT type sensor. The advantage of CIS compared to TFT is that CIS uses active pixels so it obtains the image with less noise and helps minimize X-ray radiation exposure which is currently the biggest issue in the industry. Furthermore, Genoray’s single detector supports both CT mode and Panorama mode while the existing products in the market only support one by one (CT supports only CT mode, Panorama supports Panorama mode only). This means that by providing multi-functions through one detector, Genoray can satisfy customers who need both modes with a less expensive price point; a competitive advantage of this product.

Genoray is targeting to replace the current market solution with this new, more efficient detector, providing a more cost-effective solution for medical equipment. The imaging device was manufactured using TowerJazz’s optimized pixel and stitch process which is able to maximize performance and offers a strong pixel structure towards radiographic exposure.

Read the full release here.

TowerJazz Releases Enhanced RF SOI CMOS and High Speed SiGe Process Design Kits for use with Agilent Technologies’ Advanced Design System Software

2014-06-03T21:34:00.000+01:00

TowerJazz today announced the availability of enhanced RF SOI CMOS and high speed SiGe process design kits (PDKs) for its 0.18µm process technology. These kits were developed for use with Agilent Technologies’ Advanced Design System (ADS) software and target a wide range of analog markets including front-end modules for mobile phones, tablets and WiFi terminals, fiber optic connections for data centers and network infrastructure, radar for automotive collision avoidance and other high-frequency applications. The enhanced PDKs enable reduction of die size and bill of materials with new advanced inductor based passive components e.g. significant area savings are possible when using solenoids which provide 250% more inductance per area as compared to regular inductors. The new PDKs also improve simulation accuracy for die packaged in thin-form factors and allows the simulation of thermal effects across chips that are critical in many of the targeted applications.

In addition to inductors, the PDKs are now supporting scalable solenoids (series inductors), balun/transformer devices and improved model capabilities to account for substrate thinning and flipchip packaging effects. Ultrathin substrates of 100µm or less are common in the assembly of FEM chips, while flipchip stand-off distances between the chip surface and the circuit laminate can be on the order of 80µm.

Read the full press release here.

TowerJazz Announces First 700V 8" 0.18µm Power Platform at APEC 2014

2014-03-14T15:04:00.001+00:00

Most advanced power technology available enables customers to design high voltage ICs in smaller node on 8" wafer for highly functional integration

TowerJazz announces TS18UHV – the first 700V 8" 0.18μm Power platform which allows customers to design in a smaller node, very high voltage ICs with an ability for highly functional integration. This also allows integration of an external power device and is suitable for LED driver applications in general illumination and primary controllers in power supplies. In addition, this process offers integration of digital and analog functionality as well as modularity of the platform to fit different needs for various applications. TS18UHV provides a competitive power device Rdson and the best in the industry digital circuit density (up to 125k gates/mm²).
According to data from IHS, the growth of LED lighting and the continuous improvement in LED pricing drives market growth. The LED lighting segment will rise to $5.9 billion in 2018, up from $4.2 billion in 2013 with a 5-year CAGR of 7%, according to IHS. At the same time, the industrial market segment for analog ICs is expected to rise to $9.2 billion in 2018 from $6.8 billion in 2013 with a 5-year CAGR of 8%.
“TowerJazz is introducing the most advanced 700V 8" technology currently available. This technology enables our customers to efficiently design integrated circuits (ICs) for general illumination LED applications, power supplies and industrial applications,” said Dr. Marco Racanelli, Sr. VP and GM of Power & RF/HPA Business Groups, TowerJazz. “Competitive Rdson of the power devices allows for higher efficiency and better costs. High density digital and analog circuits enable higher integration of features while modularity of the platform creates opportunities for choice of modules needed for design.”

Solution in Silicon passed its 10th annual ISO9001:2008 audit

2013-12-03T10:53:00.000+00:00

Solution in Silicon passed its 10th annual ISO9001:2008 audit on 3rd December.

A copy of the certificate can be downloaded here.

Forza Silicon Announces Continued Strategic Partnership with TowerJazz

2013-11-19T19:44:00.000+00:00

Partnership Combines Forza Silicon’s CMOS Image Sensor Design Expertise with TowerJazz’s Specialty Process Technologies to Fulfill Customer Time-to-Market Requirements

Forza Silicon Corporation, a fabless mixed-signal semiconductor company, and TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry, today announced at the TowerJazz 8th annual U.S. Technical Global Symposium, their continued strategic partnership to design and produce mixed-signal and image sensor chips utilizing TowerJazz’s process and design technology capabilities.
The announcement highlights an existing 11-year relationship between the two companies, during which Forza Silicon has successfully completed several developments employing TowerJazz’s processes. Recent developments include the following:

133 Mpixel, 60 FPS image sensor
Low power global shutter SOC imager
Family of sensors for dental X-ray
Small size endoscopy sensor
High-speed global shutter sensor

Forza Silicon designs custom CMOS image sensors, which comprises TowerJazz’s Advanced Photo Diode (APD) pixel IP, and utilizes its Fab2, 0.18-micron process technology. The APD technology used in these CMOS image sensors enables improved optical and electrical performance of ultra-small pixels utilizing deep sub-micron process technologies, thus enabling the manufacturing of small, cost-effective image sensor solutions.

More ....

ISO 13485 production and Implantable devices feature in Promex Industries' new Medical brochure

2013-10-25T00:46:00.000+01:00

New Medical brochure

Promex Industries new Medical brochure explains how its advanced packaging expertise is helping Medical and Bio-Science customers achieve complex new product introductions on time and on cost.

Promex capabilities include advanced packaging of image sensors, photonic and opto-electronic devices, bio-tech and bio-metric sensors, and microelectronics assemblies including implantable devices requiring fully automated in-house process flows.

Customers may be assured of strict process, training, materials, and supply chain management and master file documentation controls covered by ISO13485 compliant Quality System. IQ, OQ and PQ validations followed by continuous use of statistical process control during production.

Class 100 clean room and Class 1000 engineered clean room.

Get a copy of Promex Industries new Medical brochure from our downloads page.

Updated IP catalog released by TowerJazz

2013-10-16T15:03:00.001+01:00

TowerJazz has just released an updated IP catalog featuring new IP Partners Anatrix, with Rad Hard IP for FAB3 CA18/SBC18, and eSilicon with advanced IO library at FAB2 TS13S plus a new TowerJazz with a new ePolyFuse for TS13SL.

Download your copy from our downloads page.

Integra Technologies acquires Analytical Solutions Inc.

2013-10-01T20:21:00.000+01:00

Integra Technologies, a world leader in integrated circuit test and related services, announced today that it has acquired Analytical Solutions Incorporated (ASI).

Analytical Solutions provides product evaluation services through Destructive Physical Analysis, Construction Analysis, Failure Analysis, Non-Destructive Testing and Counterfeit Device Investigation of semiconductor devices. These services will complement the extensive electrical test and related services already provided by Integra. The combination of the two companies will provide a single point of contact for an extremely broad array of semiconductor test and evaluation services supporting the Military, Avionics, Space, Medical, Automotive and Fabless Semiconductor markets.

The Trusted Security Analysis portion of the ASI business portfolio, which features the Pix2Net Software, is not included in the purchase and will be added to the newly formed company, MicroNet Solutions Inc, service offerings.

“We are very excited about the combination of Integra and Analytical Solutions,” said Becky Craft, President of Integra Technologies. “The Analytical Solutions portfolio of services compliments Integra’s business and provides our mutual customers with one of the largest semiconductor test and analysis service offerings in the industry.”

See the press release here.

TowerJazz and DMB Technology Announce Volume Production for AC Direct LED Driver ICs

2013-09-23T18:36:00.000+01:00

LED technology affecting every part of commercial lighting industry; LED lamp shipments to reach nearly 1.3B units by 2021
TowerJazz, and DMB Technology (DMBT), a leader of total power management solutions based on innovative analog/mixed-signal power management integrated circuits, today announced volume production and shipping of DMBT’s AC direct LED (light-emitting diode) driver IC using TowerJazz’s groundbreaking 700V BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) power management process. AC direct LED driver ICs replace AC-DC converters or SMPS (switched-mode power supply) and controls power without the use of large capacitors and inductors over a range of AC input voltages. This enables a constant current IC for supplying current to a load regardless of input voltage variation.
The rise of LED technology is affecting every part of the commercial lighting industry. The demand for affordability and improved quality are driving the widespread adoption of LEDs, and this single technology appears likely to surpass all others in nearly every metric of quality and efficiency.

Read to full release here.

Image Sensors Market expected to grow to $10.75 Billion in 2018

2013-09-17T15:04:00.000+01:00

According to a new market research report "Image Sensors Market Analysis and Forecast (2013 – 2018): By Applications (Healthcare (Endoscopy, Radiology, Ophthalmology), Surveillance, Automobile, Consumer, Defense, Industrial)); Technology (CCD, CMOS, Contact IS, Infrared, X-Ray) And Geography" ,published by MarketsandMarkets, the value of image sensor market was $8.00 billion in 2012 and is expected to reach $10.75 billion in 2018, at an estimated CAGR of 3.84% from 2013 to 2018. In terms of volume, the total number of image sensors shipped is estimated to be 1.6 billion in 2013 and is expected to reach 3 billion by 2018.
Image sensors have shown a steady growth off late across different industry verticals. The major applications of these sensors are in the consumer, automotive, surveillance, and medical segments. The largest application of image sensors is in the consumer segment due to the massive growth in demand for camera-enabled mobile phones and tablets across the globe. These applications mainly use CMOS image sensors due to their lower power consumption, smaller form factor, and faster speeds due to parallel readout and processing. In the past few years, there has been a growing need for security and surveillance cameras especially in public places and offices. The continuous automation of manual processes in factories has also contributed considerably to the increase in demand for image sensors. In the medical segment, there has been a shift towards minimal invasive procedures due to their lesser side-effects and also due to patients preferences.

TowerJazz to Service High Volume, Commercial Infrared Markets

2013-06-19T22:40:00.002+01:00

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader today announced it will be the wafer manufacturer for infrared sensing and camera devices using its proven specialty process technologies. In addition to traditional infrared applications, TowerJazz will facilitate expansion into other consumer markets such as gaming, personal security, and application driven platforms, market segments which are already well served by the company.
The advanced CMOS-based process at TowerJazz’s US location is a viable, commercially sustainable foundry offering to support its commercial as well as its aerospace and defense customers.
“This development is a natural fit for TowerJazz. Our leading edge CMOS for custom imaging products and our expertise in bringing specialty processing and MEMS to volume manufacturing fits extremely well with the proven capabilities of our customer,” said David Howard, Executive Director and Fellow, TowerJazz.

The full release can be accessed here.

TowerJazz and Cavendish Kinetics Collaborate to Deliver High Volume Tunable RF MEMS Products for Fast Growing 4G Mobile Market

2013-06-06T14:11:00.000+01:00

Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (Nasdaq: TSEM; TASE: TSEM) (which trades as TowerJazz) today announced a collaboration with California-based Cavendish Kinetics Inc. to develop MEMS tunable radio frequency (RF) solutions for the consumer mobile wireless market. Market sources estimate the value of the deal at $20 million a year for Tower, beginning in 2013.
The process technology combines the Cavendish NanoMech MEMS technology with Tower's power CMOS process and custom RF interconnect in a single chip solution for 4G LTE applications. We are excited to bring the Cavendish Kinetics NanoMech MEMS devices into volume manufacturing," said Tower CEO Russell Ellwanger. "The integrated RF MEMS process is strategic for TowerJazz and broadens our specialty fab leadership position. TowerJazz is a large supplier to the consumer RF market and the Cavendish relationship expands our market participation. By combining TowerJazz's high volume manufacturing capability with the innovative NanoMech MEMS process from Cavendish, a highly reliable CMOS-MEMS solution is helping to solve some very difficult 4G/LTE issues.

The full release can be accessed here.

TowerJazz releases a 17 ohm mm^2 750V device helping customers reduce die size for AC to DC converters

2013-05-28T14:34:00.000+01:00

TowerJazz today announced the release of a 17 ohm mm^2 750V device which will help customers reduce die size for AC to DC converters, required in fast growing applications such as LED lighting, by a factor of two relative to its prior technology. TowerJazz is presenting this innovation along with its entire power management platform at the 25th International Symposium on Power Semiconductor Devices (ISPSD) in Kanazawa, Japan on May 26-30, 2013 (booth #16).
The market for power management ICs in AC to DC applications is expected to grow 6.3% over the next five years while LED applications is the fastest growing market segment with an estimated 56% growth expected over the next five years.
TowerJazz’s new technology enables a cost advantage for customers building next-generation ICs for AC to DC converters in applications such as power supplies and LED lights. The technology integrates on the production 700V process which is today the most streamlined in the industry, requiring only 16 masking layers for a two layer metal process. The new technology does not add masking layers, preserving this significant advantage over other solutions while reducing on-resistance and shrinking die size significantly.
In addition to AC to DC conversion, TowerJazz’s 700V technology includes a level-shifting device that makes the technology ideal for gate drivers of IGBTs and discrete power MOSFETs used for example in electrical motors. The quick adoption of electrical motors in white good appliances is providing another fast path for this technology.
“This innovation will provide a significant advantage to our customers in the fast-growth but cost-sensitive LED lighting market,” said Dr. Marco Racanelli SVP of Power, RF and HPA Business Units at TowerJazz. “This innovation and 700V platform complements our broad power management offering that includes an industry leading 0.18um, 60V BCD technology with embedded NVM now available in two 8-inch factories. We continue to partner closely with our customers and strive to benefit them in the marketplace both through innovative process technology and efficient and cost conscious supply chain.”

To read the full press release click here.

SOI wafer supplier sees cash halved

2013-05-24T10:47:00.000+01:00

LONDON – French semiconductor materials supplier Soitec SA, has reported a net loss of 209.5 million euro (about $270 million) on consolidated sales of 262.9 million euro (about $340 million), in its audited financial results for the year to March 31, 2013.

Soitec (Bernin, France) is the primary supplier of semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) wafers for use in the fully-depleted SOI (FDSOI) manufacturing process that is being pioneered by STMicroelectronics NV (Geneva, Switzerland) at theCrolles wafer fab near Grenoble, France.

To read Peter Clarke's article for EETimes click here.

Tower Jazz releases new IP Catalog

2013-04-25T16:00:00.001+01:00

Tower Semiconductor is pleased to announce the release of an updated version of its IP catalog.

There is a long list of analog IPs for both Fab 2 and Fab 3 from new partners Rio Systems and a 1T SRAM from Mentor Graphics which is already in production at Tower.

Among the other new IP are the Moscad High Precision Silicon Oscillator on TS13SL and Tower’s own 32b YFlash on TS18PM. PIO510 for TS18SL and TS18PM is now also offered with MT3 metallization.

Download a copy from our web site download page.

Integra Technologies Celebrates 30 Years

2013-04-17T18:38:00.000+01:00

Integra Technologies is pleased to announce it is celebrating it’s 30th year as a leading supplier of integrated circuit test and evaluation services in the U.S. and Europe. Integra was started in 1983 as part of NCR Corporation with a small test floor in Wichita, Kansas. Today, Integra’s test facility in Wichita has over 41,000 square feet of state-of-the-art test equipment and engineering development offices.
Beginning with just 30 employees,Integra has grown to over 200 employees and has been employee-owned since 2008. Integra believes this long-term growth and longevity is due to the loyalty of its customers and Integra’s ability to change to meet current market requirements such as the increasing complexity of integrated circuit devices and the ever- growing diversity of end-customer applications.
Through the years, Integra has become a valuable partner for small and medium size semiconductor companies needing to meet shorter time-to-market sales windows and test their devices in the US, as well as for Military/Space/Aerospace companies who need complex devices for use in environments more demanding than commercial device’s are typically designed for - sometimes requiring the highest security levels of ITAR and DOD-DMEA Trusted processing.

Read the full release here .

Meet Solution in Silicon at Image Sensors 2013

2013-03-15T16:01:00.000+00:00

Image Sensors 2013 will be in Victoria this year so join Solution in Silicon with TowerJazz at the Park Plaza Hotel, Victoria London on 20th and 21st March. IS is the biggest Image Sensor conference and Europe's only commercially focused conference for the entire image sensors supply chain.
As in previous years, the programme will cover image sensor market analysis, innovations in image sensor technology and system architecture, as well as novel developments in image sensor applications and large area sensors.

TowerJazz Gaining Sizeable Share of Multi-Billion Dollar Front-End

2013-03-12T11:57:00.000+00:00

Customer engagements with over 50 design wins; TowerJazz poised to manufacture major portion of devices serving multi-billion dollar FEM market
TowerJazz global specialty foundry leader, today announced significant customer engagements and market share gain in the fast growing Front-End Module (FEM) market, providing its Silicon Radio Platform (SRP) for smartphones and other mobile systems. TowerJazz’s SRP allows integration of the radio in mobile devices including components such as antenna switches, antenna tuners, diversity switches, controllers, low-noise-amplifiers (LNAs) and power amplifiers (PAs) eliminating the need for expensive discrete GaAs devices. The SRP includes a state of the art RF SOI technology and a SiGe PA technology together with 0.18um RF CMOS for integration of control and MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) interface functions.
TowerJazz’s latest RF SOI technology offers the industry’s best figure of merit for antenna switch and antenna tuning applications with Ron-Coff of only 217fs. The technology is quickly replacing GaAs implementations and has already been adopted by multiple customers worldwide with over 50 separate designs taped-in with initial designs ramping to production.
TowerJazz’s Silicon Germanium (SiGe) PA process is built in 0.18um technology to enable efficient integration of power amplifier, controller, and MIPI interface and also includes a through-silicon-via to deliver performance comparable to that of GaAs at only 40% of the cost while enabling new tunable features and affording levels of integration ........

The full release can be accessed here.

Solution in Silicon passed its annual ISO9001:2008 audit

2012-12-06T14:37:00.000+00:00

Solution in Silicon passed its annual ISO9001:2008 audit on 4th December.

A copy of the certificate can be downloaded here.

Solution in Silicon to attend Electronica 2012

2012-10-05T22:29:00.000+01:00

Solution in Silicon will be at the Electronica 2012 show in Munich from 13th to 16th November.

We look forward to meeting customers and prospective customers in Hall A5, booth 343.

TowerJazz updated IP Catalog has now been released

2012-08-30T23:58:00.003+01:00

TowerJazz IP Catalog

TowerJazz has just released an updated IP Catalog with a broad range of IPs for its leading edge CMOS and SiGe technologies.

There are some exciting additions to the new catalog including RadHard libraries from new IP partners Ramon Chips and RedCat Devices.
Ramon Chips offers Rad Hard libraries in TS18SL, TS13SL and TS13LL, and RedCat Devices offers Rad Hard libraries in TS18SL.

Get your copy of the new TowerJazz IP Catalog from our downloads page now or for information about any of TowerJazz foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form.

TowerJazz Technical Global Symposium USA 2012

2012-08-30T11:37:00.003+01:00

The 7th annual TowerJazz Technical Global Symposium (TGS)will offer updates on TowerJazz process technologies such as High Speed SiGe, CMOS image sensors, power management and others as well as our design enablement solutions. Attendees will hear about case studies from customers and presentations by industry experts and leaders in academia.

Dates: October 31-November 1, 2012
Location: Hyatt Regency, Irvine, CA, USA

For more information click here.

TowerJazz Announces AEC-Q100 Automotive Qualification for its Industry Leading 0.18um BCD Process

2012-06-20T09:48:00.000+01:00

TowerJazz today announced its industry leading 0.18-micron Bipolar-CMOSDMOS (BCD) process has been qualified to meet the certification requirements of the AECQ100 standard as defined by the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC). AEC-Q100 is a system standard that defines critical stress tests conducted for the purpose of qualifying an integrated circuit (IC) for automotive applications. TowerJazz attained AEC-Q100 qualification in cooperation with a Korean customer who serves as a supplier for a giant Korean automotive manufacturer.
This accomplishment further builds awareness of the strength of TowerJazz’s power management offering and enables expansion of its market reach into Korea, focusing on the manufacturing of automotive ICs. The worldwide automotive semiconductor market is estimated to grow from $30.8 Billion in 2012 to $46.9 Billion in 2015 according to a forecast from PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“Our initiative to certify our power .....

To read the full press release click here.

X-Ray Imaging Applications Benefit from Development of Wafer-Scale CMOS Imaging Technology

2012-06-19T23:15:00.000+01:00

A highly innovative high-resolution wafer-scale digital image sensor that targets medical imaging applications has been developed at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). One of the key aspects in the development of this CMOS imaging sensor by the STFC’s CMOS Sensor Design Group, was the use of advanced analog tools from Tanner EDA, a leading provider of tools for the design, layout and verification of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs). Measuring 120 x 145 mm and effectively using an entire 200 mm silicon wafer in its production, the new image sensor is being manufactured by TowerJazz, a leading global specialty semiconductor foundry, using its cutting edge and high yield specialty CMOS sensor process technology.

The full press release is downloadable from here.

Phasor Solutions and TowerJazz Demonstrate Paradigm Shift in Multi-Billion Dollar Satellite Communications and Radar Market

2012-06-12T14:51:00.000+01:00

Phasor develops world’s first communication on the move with novel phased arrays; multiple transceiver ICs manufactured by TowerJazz

TowerJazz, and Phasor Solutions, today announced a new phased array technology for communications on the move using SiGe process platforms from TowerJazz. Phasor is targeting the multi-billion dollar satellite communications and radar market with a unique, ground breaking design that provides order of magnitude improvement over competing solutions. Phasor recently demonstrated a proprietary technology which allows moving vehicles (aircraft, ships or trucks) to communicate with stationary satellites, or antennas that track moving satellites, with no moving parts. Technically, the system is able to self-align to a desired signal source and track it in real time, which has never been done before.
Phasor is utilizing TowerJazz’s high performance 155GHz SiGe BiCMOS process (SBC18HX) to manufacture its innovative transceiver chipset for mobile broadband service on moving platforms such as trains, manned and unmanned airplanes, and military vehicles. Phasor chose TowerJazz’s SiGe BiCMOS process over traditional GaAs solutions used in phased array radar due to its ability to operate in the required 12GHz to 15GHz band and for its integration capabilities allowing for multiple analog and digital functions to be integrated into a single chip. As a result, TowerJazz's process provides for a reduction in component count, cost and complexities associated with multiple discrete devices.

Read the full press release here.

Promex Industries Achieves Re-certification to ISO13485 for Medical Devices

2012-06-02T23:52:00.000+01:00

On 29th May 2012 Promex Industries was audited by BSl Group America and successfully fulfilled the criteria for the re-certification to ISO13485.

Promex continues to offer its advanced packaging expertise to the rapidly growing Medical market.for image sensors, photonic and opto-electronic devices, bio-tech and bio-metric sensors, and microelectronics assemblies including implantable devices.

For information on Promex Industries' SMT and Chip-on-Board capabilities with wafer sawing, automatic die attach, all varieties of wire bonding, flip chip, encapsulation and over molding, please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz Announces New Small Geometry CMOS Image Sensor Platform

2012-03-13T17:36:00.021+00:00

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, today announced its TS11IS hybrid CMOS image sensor (CIS) process offering, a combination of 0.11um and 0.16um platform. The process will allow customers to design higher resolution high-end sensors with smaller pixels and enhanced performance. The TS11IS combines TowerJazz’s 0.16um CMOS for periphery circuits and its 0.11um pushed design rules for the pixel array. The process is targeted for applications in high end photography, machine vision, 3D imaging and security sensors.
The new platform, based on Tower’s 0.16um CMOS shrink process, will allow easy re-use of existing customers’ 0.18um circuit IP which will save them from investing in resources to redesign existing blocks, and increase the probability for first time success. The TS11IS offers improved pixel performance, smaller pixel pitch, higher resolution, improved sensitivity, and improved angular response. It allows up to 50% reduction of pixel size, mainly for high-end global shutter pixels. The platform includes a new local interconnect layer to allow denser metallization routing in pixels while maintaining good QE (quantum efficiency). It also includes tighter design rules for all metal layers and implant layers as well as provides a “Bathtub” option for lower stack height, improving the sensors’ angular response.

You can read the full release here.

For information about TowerJazz High Performance Analog foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form.

Meet Solution in Silicon at ISE 2012

2012-03-09T09:30:00.001+00:00

Image Sensors 2012 is moving to a new venue for 2012 so join Solution in Silicon with TowerJazz at the Hotel Russell in Bloomsbury, London between 20th to 22nd March. Now known as IS (previously ISE) this year will be the biggest ever Image Sensor conference and Europe's only commercially focused conference for the entire image sensors supply chain.

The programme will cover image sensor market analysis, innovations in image sensor technology and system architecture as well as novel developments in image sensor applications and large area sensors.

See you there.

Find out more at the IS 2012 web site

For more information about TowerJazz foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Integra Technologies Expands IC Test Facility for Growth

2012-02-15T16:06:00.000+00:00

Integra Technologies LLC., a leading supplier of integrated circuit test and evaluation services in the U.S. and Europe, recently completed the addition of over 5000 square feet to their test facility in northeast Wichita, KS in January. This expansion brings the total floor-space at this facility to just over 41,000 square feet. The addition expands the main test floor and adds office space for new engineers. The expansion is being driven by several customers' needs, but primarily by the increasing complexity of the integrated circuit devices being produced and utilized in the electronics industry today. More complex devices require larger and more capable test equipment to test them as well as additional test engineering resources to fully utilize the additional equipment capability.

For more information on Integra Technologies' IC test and IC test program development services please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Integra Technologies Adds Memory Device Expert to Team

2012-01-19T10:06:00.005+00:00

Integra Technologies LLC., a leading supplier of integrated circuit test and evaluation services in the U.S., is pleased to announce the addition of Jeff Kendziorski as Technical Business Development Director. In this role, Jeff will work closely with existing engineering and sales staff to further strengthen Integra's service offerings in the areas of high performance memories and counterfeit detection.
Jeff brings 31 years of industry experience that has encompassed engineering, marketing and business development disciplines in the Military and Hi-Rel Semiconductor industry. Before joining Integra, Jeff served as Director of Marketing and New Product Development at Micross Components, formerly Austin Semiconductor. Prior to that Jeff worked at Motorola in the Fast Static RAM division as Senior Product Engineer and Texas Instruments in engineering and marketing roles as both a manager and individual contributor. Jeff is especially known in the industry as a memory device expert and served as Micross' chief technologist.

Read the full release here.

For more information on Integra Technologies' IC test and IC test program development services please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Solution in Silicon passes ISO9001 Audit for the Ninth Year Running

2012-01-06T15:51:00.001+00:00

Solution in Silicon ISO9001:2008 Certificate

Solution in Silicon successfully passes its third tri-annual audit by ISOQAR Ltd and retains ISO9001:2008 certification and enters its tenth year with this international recognised quality standard.

Customers who want a copy of our latest ISO 9001 certificate can get it from our downloads page.

European Microwave Week 2011 - thanks for visiting

2011-10-20T10:57:00.007+01:00

We would like to thank everyone who stopped by the booth at the European Microwave Week 2011 exhibition last week.

Phone +44 1732 844 611
Email Info@SolutionInSilicon.com

Promex releases a new version of its Advanced IC Packaging and IC Assembly Brochure

2011-10-10T12:07:00.003+01:00

Promex Industries IC Packaging
and IC Assembly brochure

Promex has updated its Advanced IC Packaging and IC Assembly Brochure.

To see the new brochure please go to our downloads page and sign up. It only takes a couple of seconds.

If you have a specific enquiry on Promex Industries' IC assembly or IC package development services, or if you just need more information, please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz Expands its High Speed SiGe, SOI and RF CMOS Design Kits for use with Agilent Technologies’ Advanced Design System 2011 Software Release

2011-10-06T11:59:00.003+01:00

TowerJazz Expands its High Speed SiGe, SOI and RF CMOS Design Kits for use with Agilent Technologies’ Advanced Design System 2011 Software Release Improving time-to-market for cell phone front-end modules, automotive radar, optical networking and other high-speed data interfaces NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., October 6, 2011 – TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, today announced the availability of additional high speed SiGe, SOI and RF CMOS process design kits (PDKs) for its 0.18um process platform. These kits were developed for use with Agilent Technologies’ Advanced Design System (ADS) 2011 software and target cell phone front-end module components such as SOI antenna switches and SiGe power amplifiers as well as high-frequency products for optical networks, automotive, radar, and 60 GHz WiFi, and other high-speed interfaces such as those supporting Light-Peak and Thunderbolt standards. These PDKs are designed to help customers get new products to market faster by providing an accurate and productive work environment for RF CMOS, SiGe MMIC and power amplifier design solutions.

You can read the full release here.

For information about TowerJazz High Performance Analog foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form.

TowerJazz to host a Global Symposium, November 2nd and 3rd 2011

2011-09-16T09:30:00.001+01:00

The 2011 TowerJazz Global Symposium (TGS) is being held on November 2nd and November 3rd at the Newport Beach fabrication facility in California.
This annual event will highlight the broad range of customized technologies and unique design enablement platforms offered by TowerJazz and as well as the increased manufacturing capacity in multiple regions following the recent acquisition in Japan.
November 2nd will focus on Aerospace & Defense and November 3rd will feature commercial technology updates.

For the full agenda and details of how to register click here.

For information about TowerJazz foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Solution in Silicon and TowerJazz will be at European Microwave Week 2011, Booth 515

2011-09-07T01:14:00.001+01:00

Solution in Silicon will be at EuMW 2011

Solution in Silicon joins TowerJazz at the EUROPEAN MICROWAVE WEEK 2011 exhibition on booth 515.

The exhibition runs from 11th to 13th October at Manchester Central in Manchester, England.

Arrange an appointment by calling +44 1732 844 611 or emailing Info@SolutionInSilicon.com

We look forward to meeting customers and potential customers.

To find out more about the conference and exhibition go to the official European Microwave Week 2011 web site.

Samsung Selects TowerJazz’s “unrivaled” 700V Power Technology Platform for its Next Generation High Voltage Products

2011-09-06T13:18:00.002+01:00

Power Management IC Market Estimated at $14.6B in 2013 according to iSuppli

TowerJazz and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, today announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop and volume produce a variety of product families based on TowerJazz’s 700V (TS100PM) power management process. Per the agreement, Samsung Electro-Mechanics will collaborate with TowerJazz as its preferred supplier for all of its products that use the 700V power platform, starting with its AC to DC adapters. In turn, TowerJazz will modify its process and develop a true high side 700V platform to meet the specific requirements of Samsung Electro-Mechanics and provide a capacity guarantee. The first products are expected to be in the market in the second half of 2012.

TowerJazz’s TS100PM technology provides devices that support high voltage range switching (450V, 700V) and low voltage devices (6.5V to 30V) to facilitate the integration required to drive greener AC to DC solutions. The 700V platform will be developed in close collaboration with Samsung Electro-Mechanics.

“We chose to work with TowerJazz on our next-generation of high voltage products because of their superior 700V technology which is unrivaled by other foundries......"

Read the TowerJazz full release here

For information about TowerJazz High Voltage foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Updated datasheets from Integra Technologies are of particular interest to RF IC Design Houses

2011-08-23T15:06:00.005+01:00

The following updated datasheets on Integra Technologies RF IC test and RF IC test program development services are now available.

You can download them from the Solution in Silicon downloads page just click on one of the datasheets below:

For more information on Integra Technologies' RF IC wafer probe, test and qualification services please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Join Solution in Silicon and TowerJazz at European Microwave Week 2011 in Manchester this October

2011-08-17T10:50:00.001+01:00

EUROPEAN MICROWAVE WEEK 2011 will be held at Manchester Central in Manchester, England from the 9th to 14th October 2011

Billed as the Europe's Premier Microwave, RF, Wireless and Radar Event it consists of three major conferences, exhibitions and seminars.

TowerJazz and Solution in Silicon will be attending the European Microwave Exhibition from October 11th to 13th.

There will be opportunities to meet Solution in Silicon to discuss:

RF and Mixed Signal wafer foundry technologies, from TowerJazz
RF IC packaging development and assembly services from Promex Industries
RF wafer and IC test, characterisation and qualification services from Integra Technologies.

To arrange an appointment please call on +44 1732 844 611 or email Info@SolutionInSilicon.com We look forward to meeting you.

To find out more about the conference and exhibition go to the official European Microwave Week 2011 web site.

Solution in Silicon now accepts payment by PayPal

2011-08-17T09:58:00.006+01:00


Solution in Silicon now accepts payment by PayPal

Solution in Silicon has always accepted major credit cards from Visa and Mastercard for USD and GBP payments, and UK customers have always been able to pay in GBP with most major debit cards, but now customers have the option to use PayPal, another convenient way to pay on-line.

Whether you need to make a USD payment or a GBP payment, it works in exactly the same was as credit and debit card payments have always worked, only this time instead of choosing Visa or Mastercard on the payments page, you choose PayPal.

RF Test Solutions at 50GHz and above from Integra Technologies

2011-08-11T11:35:00.008+01:00

If you design very high frequency RF ASICs, SiPs or multichip modules at 50GHz or higher, do you have a test solution?

If you are looking for a leading edge provider of RF IC test services or RF IC test program development then Integra Technologies can help.

RF Test Solutions - 50GHz & Up

For more information on Integra Technologies' IC test and IC test program development services please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz transfers 0.13um SiGe process to Israel

2011-08-04T17:20:00.001+01:00

TowerJazz, has transferred a 0.13um SiGe process from its US fab at Newport Beach to Fab 2 in Migdal Haemek, Israel.

Tower said the SBL13 uses SiGe bipolar for the analog and CMOS for digital control and that it had enhanced the process with a copper interconnect back-end. The process is aimed at wireless RF and digital TV tuners. Tower said it has design wins from customers that want to use the copper back-end and that volume is expected to ramp in the first half of 2012.
The SBL13 process includes three NPN transistors with 40, 74 and 100GHz transition frequencies as well as passive elements such as high-density MIM capacitors and 3-micron thick copper inductors. 130-nm CMOS with copper metallization achieves digital logic densities of up to 200k gates per square millimeter to result in higher performance and more highly integrated RF products.
"This helps extend our leadership in SiGe technology and provides a unique multi-fab SiGe sourcing capability for our customers," said Marco Racanelli, senior vice president and general manager of the RF and high performance analog business group at Tower, in a statement.
Peter Clarke
EETimes
August 4th 2011

The full article can be read here.

For information about TowerJazz Power Management foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

New Trends in Counterfeit Components - a paper by Mark Marshal of Integra Technologies

2011-07-15T10:18:00.002+01:00

Over the past several years the electronics industry has seen a marked increase in the prevalence of counterfeit electronic components. Counterfeiters have attacked every commodity of electronics, from simple components such as capacitors, to complex integrated circuits such as microprocessors. Inexpensive commercial devices, as well as high cost military components, have seen counterfeiting. Today the problem continues with no indication of improvement. Today’s counterfeit components are demonstrating that the counterfeiters are continuing to improve their techniques.

Click here to read the full article.

For more information on Integra Technologies' Counterfeit detection services please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Join Solution in Silicon and Integra Technologies at the 2011 COG International Conference in York

2011-06-08T10:08:00.018+01:00

Solution in Silicon will be at COG 201

The 2011 COG International Conference is being held in The Royal York Hotel from 28th June to 30th June 2011.

This key event will bring industry professionals from around the world together to review and discuss a wide range of obsolescence matters.

Solution in Silicon will be joining Integra Technologies so come and discuss your counterfeit and obsolete component issue with us.

To arrange an appointment please call on +44 1732 844 611 or email Info@SolutionInSilicon.com. We look forward to meeting you.

Find out more at the COG Conference web site

TowerJazz Nearly Doubles its 2010 Production Capacity with Micron’s Fabrication Facility in Nishiwaki, Japan

2011-06-05T23:01:00.021+01:00

TowerJazz announced today that it completed its previously announced acquisition of Micron Technology’s fabrication facility in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo, Japan. The acquisition nearly doubles TowerJazz’s current internal manufacturing capacity, cost-effectively increasing production by 60,000 wafers per month. The added capacity to serve the growing needs of its expanding blue chip customer base, combined with the additional business potential in Japan, is expected to help position TowerJazz to achieve its expressed $1 billion annual revenue run rate target by 2014.
This acquisition provides TowerJazz with operational facilities that span the globe with two fabs in Israel, one fab in the United States, additional capacity available in China through manufacturing partnerships, and the newly acquired fab in Japan. As a result, this acquisition enhances the company’s geographic reach and distribution capabilities which TowerJazz believes will create a significant opportunity for revenue enhancement and increased efficiencies in manufacturing.

To read the full release click here.

For information about TowerJazz foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz Proposed Acquisition of Micron Technology Wafer Fab in Japan

2011-04-04T09:13:00.009+01:00

TowerJazz Expected to Nearly Double Production Capacity with Proposed Acquisition of Micron Technology Wafer Manufacturing Plant in Japan.

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, announced today it has signed a non-binding term sheet contemplating its purchase of Micron Technology’s fabrication facility in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo, Japan. The proposed purchase would nearly double TowerJazz’s current internal manufacturing capacity, cost-effectively increasing production by 60,000 wafers per month. The availability of additional capacity needed to serve the growing demands of its expanding blue chip customer base, combined with the additional business potential in Japan, is expected to help position TowerJazz to achieve its expressed $1 billion annual revenue run rate by 2014.
As part of the proposed acquisition, the companies anticipate that they will sign a supply agreement for TowerJazz to manufacture products for Micron in the Japan facility for approximately the next three years. The facility can support geometries down to 95nm and can also be used to manufacture other products using TowerJazz process technologies. TowerJazz plans to quickly qualify its core power management platforms to serve the substantial growth demand from its Korean customers and then build high end RF capabilities. Increased manufacturing scale and expanded addressable market would further support TowerJazz’s strategy to extend its position as the number one specialty foundry worldwide. The acquisition would be the most recent in a series of achievements TowerJazz has accomplished, including its goal of exceeding half a billion dollars in .......

Download full press release here.

TowerJazz Aerospace and Defense Division Expands MPW Services to include CMOS Image Sensors, High Speed SiGe and SOI RF CMOS

2011-03-12T18:49:00.008+00:00

TowerJazz today announced its Aerospace and Defense Business Unit has expanded its multi-project wafer (MPW) services to include CMOS image sensors (CIS) in addition to high-speed SiGe and SOI RF CMOS. These offerings will be available for on-shore or ITAR controlled prototype and manufacturing services of advanced semiconductors for the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the broader aerospace and defense community.
TowerJazz’s CIS process has already been running in high volume in its Israeli plants, and is now being added to the MPW program in its Newport Beach, CA facility for customers that require on-shore manufacturing. The CIS process enables the customization of pixels per project needs and its superior performance (dark current, low noise and dynamic range) enables a rich offering for various digital imaging applications. In addition, TowerJazz’s patented stitching technology overcomes photolithography tool limitations to seamlessly tile 5.5-micron pixel sections into a large pixel array, resulting in ultra-high resolution, high-quality color image sensors. This technology enables manufacturing of die sizes up to a single die per 200-mm wafer.
TowerJazz’s presence in the industrial sensor market has significantly grown with new applications such as finger print detection for homeland security, traffic monitoring cameras ......

To read the full release click.here.

For information about TowerJazz foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Solution in Silicon will be at ISE 2011

2011-03-08T16:54:00.002+00:00

Solution in Silicon will be at Image Sensors Europe 2011 conference in the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, London,
Running from 22nd to 24th March , ISE is Europe's only commercially focused conference for the entire image sensors supply chain.
The programme will cover image sensor market analysis, innovations in image sensor technology and system architecture as well as novel developments in image sensor applications and large area sensors.

Find out more at the ISE web site.

Promex Industries releases its new Open Cavity QFN capability

2011-02-14T16:35:00.026+00:00

Promex Industries, the leading specialist IC packaging and assembly house has added an open cavity QFN capability to its offering.

Known more for its specialist knowledge and experience of IC packaging technologies and IC packaging materials, Promex also offers IC assemble services in a wide variety of standard plastic and ceramic packages. The open cavity QFN is significant addition to Promex's capability.

Open cavity, or "air cavity", packages as they are also know, have many applications but one area where they offer significant benefits is in RF where wire bonds are in free air, eliminating the losses experienced in standard over molded QFNs and allowing much higher speed parts to be mounted on an industry standard QFN footprint.

For more information please download the new Open Cavity QFN flyer.

* Open Cavity QFN Packages

If you have a specific enquiry on Promex Industries' IC assembly or IC package development services, or if you just need more information, please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Tanner EDA and TowerJazz Announce Qualified Process Design Kit and Reference Flow for 0.18um Power Management

2011-01-19T06:48:00.012+00:00

Tanner EDA and TowerJazz have completed qualification of Tanner EDA’s process design kit (PDK) for TowerJazz’s 0.18um Power Management process. This design kit includes symbol libraries for Tanner EDA’s S-Edit schematic capture software as well as parameterized layout generators for its widely installed layout editor, L-Edit.To complement this PDK, the companies have released TowerJazz’s Power Management AMS Reference Flow, which includes a comprehensive design flow and a Band Gap Reference design that together provide mutual customers with a productive and open custom design solution. The combination of TowerJazz’s advanced power management process with detailed steps and layout tools from Tanner EDA provides analog and mixed-signal IC designers the ability to quickly and accurately create power management chips, including driver ICs, battery and portable power management, and power control for PCs for consumer, communications, and computing applications.
The TowerJazz AMS PM Reference Flow includes a reference design that is based on the TowerJazz 180-nm iPDK. Complete documentation covering the overall flow as well as the detailed reference flow steps is also included. Mutual customers can quickly utilize the complete power management design flow from schematic capture to simulation, layout, physical verification, and parasitic extraction.

Read the full release here.

For information about TowerJazz Power Management foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz releases High Speed and High Power SiGe Design Kit for Agilent Technologies' ADS Software

2011-01-12T12:44:00.010+00:00

TowerJazz announces the availability of additional SiGe process design kits (PDKs) for TowerJazz’s 0.18 μm SiGe process platform. The design kits target high-frequency products for optical networks, automotive radar and 60GHz WiFi, as well as high-power front-end-modules for wireless handsets. The PDKs were developed for use with Agilent Technologies’ Advanced Design System (ADS) 2009U1 software. Both TowerJazz and Agilent will be showcasing the new PDKs at Radio Wireless Week (RWW), in booths #15 and #13 respectively on January 17-18, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ.
The ADS PDKs include design kits for SBC18HA/HXL/H2 (high-speed SiGe technology with cutoff frequency as high as 200GHz) and a power amplifier design library (PADL) with characterized power cells for use in wireless front-end-module applications for cell phone and WiFi devices. The objective is to help customers get new products to market faster by providing an accurate and productive work environment for SiGe Monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) and power amplifier (PA) design solutions.

Read the full release here.

For more information on Integra Technologies' IC test and IC test program development services for Biomedical customer please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Solution in SIlicon retains ISO9001:2008 certification for 9th year

2010-12-10T09:24:00.001+00:00

Solution in Silicon satisfies ISOQAR’s annual audit to ISO9001:2008 to retain ISO certification for the 8th year running.

Garfield Matrix releases a new brochure in time for Electronica 2010

2010-11-07T15:14:00.011+00:00

GarField/Matrics is a leading silicon design house and fabless semiconductor supplier offering a wide range of services including IP design and full custom ASIC design from specification, design and layout right through to fabrication, test and supply of final product using a range of foundries.
Garfield/Matrics customers include industrial, consumer, automotive, aerospace and medical.
Download a copy of the new Garfield Services Overview today.

For more information on Garfield/Matrics' IC design services please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Visit Solution in Silicon at Electronica 2010, Hall A5 Booth 343

2010-10-14T20:59:00.005+01:00

Electronica is rapidly approaching and preparations are almost complete for our inaugural appearance.
We will be presenting our wide range of semiconductor services covering the whole product flow from IC Design, through Wafer Fab, Test and Assembly and Qualification from our Industry leading partners Garfield Microelectronics, TowerJazz, Integra Technologies and Promex Industries.

Call on +44 1732 844 611 or email Info@SolutionInSilicon.com now to make an appointment, or just come along and see us anytime from November 9th to November 12th.

TowerJazz Appoints Dr. Franz Riedlberger as General Manager and Senior Sales Director, Europe

2010-10-14T20:48:00.004+01:00

TowerJazz announced today that Dr. Franz Riedlberger, an accomplished industry veteran, has been appointed General Manager and Senior Sales Director, Europe to head its sales activities in this growing region. This newly created role evidences the importance of the European market and demonstrates TowerJazz's commitment to further grow its European customer base.
Riedlberger joins TowerJazz following 30 successful years in the high-tech industry of which the last four he spent with Diodes Zetex as CTO and Business Unit Manager. Prior to this assignment, he spent 14 years with Motorola in various engineering and sales management roles. He brings a wealth of know-how to TowerJazz. He was co-founder of the European ASIC company, ES2 - European Silicon Structures, Managing Director of the Munich Technology Center – the hub of the city’s high tech start-ups - and Managing Director of a software EDA start-up.

Read the full press release here.

For information about TowerJazz foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz’s 0.18um SiGe Process Achieves Fully Integrated One Chip Optical Transceiver

2010-10-07T14:04:00.003+01:00

TowerJazz today announced that Ensphere Solutions has chosen its 0.18-micron SiGe BiCMOS process (SBC18) for its fully integrated one chip optical transceiver IC (ESI-1002) targeting 10G data communication and storage area network applications. Now shipping in volume, the ESI-1002 supports rates from 1G to 12G and enables SFP+ modules to be designed with sub-1watt power consumption. Ensphere is leveraging the 0.18-micron SiGe offering that includes 177 GHz Fmax, a 0.18um CMOS transistor, and high density stacked 4.0uf/mm2 MIM cap. This process was chosen for its optimization for optical networking and storage solutions as well as wireless, wireline and tuner applications.

more .....

Integra Technologies Chosen by Proteus Biomedical

2010-09-17T00:16:00.001+01:00

Integra to Support Product Development and Manufacturing Launch

Integra Technologies LLC, has announced that it has been selected by Proteus Biomedical, Inc., a leader in developing intelligent medicine products for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, for development and production test of their new integrated circuit designs.
Proteus' products address therapeutic areas where disease management complexity, patient monitoring requirements, therapeutic efficacy, and poor patient adherence create large clinical and commercial opportunities. The company currently has two product platforms in development for application in immunology, diabetes, tuberculosis, HIV, cardiac disease and CNS disorders.
Commenting on the new partnership, Ben Costello, Vice President of Product Engineering of Proteus Biomedical said, "Our selection of Integra as our integrated circuit test and manufacturing supplier was made because their experience, engineering expertise, certifications, quality record and manufacturing capability met the demands of the new products we will be introducing over the next few years."

Solution in Silicon will be joining Integra Technologies at GSA Santa Clara on September 16th 2010

2010-09-10T12:17:00.010+01:00

Solution in Silicon will be joining Integra Technologies on Booth 318 at the GSA Emerging Opportunities Expo, September 16, 2010 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
Integra Technologies, now in its 27th year, is a full service test and assembly supplier. We supply every post wafer fabrication service need to deliver a finished IC to your end customer including:

Test Development
Characterization
Wafer Probe
Packaging
Final Test
ESD
Latch-Up
Qualification/Reliability services

For more information on Integra Technologies' IC test and IC test program development services for Mil?Aero customer please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Magma’s Titan Qualified for TowerJazz Reference Flow

2010-08-29T15:22:00.008+01:00

Automated solution dramatically improves designer productivity and shortens turnaround time
Magma® Design today announced that TowerJazz has qualified the Titan™ Mixed-Signal Design Platform for TowerJazz’s Power Management Analog/Mixed-Signal (AMS) Reference Flow and process design kits (iPDKs) for its 180-nanometer (nm) technologies. Magma’s Titan software and TowerJazz’s foundry technology provide mutual customers with a comprehensive design and manufacturing solution that enables users to accelerate the design-to-silicon process and achieve first-time silicon success.
TowerJazz’s Power Management AMS Reference Flow includes a comprehensive design flow and a Band Gap Reference design that demonstrates an effective methodology when taking advantage of TowerJazz’s advanced Power Management process. With detailed flow steps and tools such as Titan that are qualified for TowerJazz’s 180-nm Power Management process iPDK, the reference flow provides TowerJazz and Magma customers faster turnaround time.
“By working together to provide out-of-the-box flows, and create and qualify iPDKs for the most advanced power management offering, TowerJazz and Magma offer mutual customers a faster, more reliable path from design to volume production,” said Ori Galzur, vice president of Design Center and iPDK Development at TowerJazz. “Having such a reference flow enables customers to easily design into the complex ....

Read the full release here.

For information about TowerJazz's Power Management foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz to host a Global Symposium, October 26th to 28th 2010

2010-08-14T18:18:00.004+01:00

A TowerJazz Global Symposium (TGS) is being held October 26 through October 28, 2010 at our fabrication facility in Newport Beach, CA. During this three-day event, you will hear updates on the latest trends and technologies through visionary keynotes, technology updates and breakout sessions such as "Keys to the Top Five Design Challenges" and "Addressing Performance, Cost and Power Challenges" - then take a tour of the fab line. We have incorporated your survey results and devised an event that encompasses every aspect of our specialty solutions and promises to be interactive for our customers with TowerJazz employees and partners.

TGS will be comprised of a Supplier Day on October 26, an EDA Partner Day on October 27 followed by a Customer Reception in the evening, and a Customer Day on October 28.

For details of the event click here.

For information about TowerJazz foundry processes, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz’s CMOS Sensor Process Powers Cypress’ New Global Shutter Image Sensor

2010-07-28T10:25:00.003+01:00

TowerJazz, and Cypress Semiconductor Corp, today announced that TowerJazz’s 0.18-micron CMOS image sensor (CIS) process is being used to power Cypress’ new 25-megapixel industrial high-sensitivity, highspeed CMOS image sensor targeted for the high-end machine vision market. The VITA 25K sensor, sampling now, provides the market’s highest throughput for a device with a unique pipelined and triggered global shutter architecture. According to a report by Roy Szweda, RNR Associates, the forecast for image sensors used in the industrial market is expected to reach close to $840 million by 2014.

The VITA 25K sensor has 32 10-bit digital Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) outputs that enable transfer of image data over a standard industry protocol at low power and low noise. Each channel runs at a 620 Mbps, which results in a high frame rate of 53 frames-per-second (fps) at full resolution for undistorted images and fast readout. Manufactured using TowerJazz’s CIS process, the sensor is ideal for high-end machine vision applications, such as inspection machines; biometric inspection, such as next-generation palm print readers; and intelligent traffic systems.

Click here to download the full release.

For information about TowerJazz and the CIS wafer foundry processes offered, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz Licenses Kilopass’ OTP NVM IP

2010-07-16T16:33:00.013+01:00

TowerJazz and Kilopass Technology, a leading provider of semiconductor logic non-volatile memory (NVM) intellectual property (IP), today announced that TowerJazz has licensed Kilopass’ one-time programmable (OTP) memory IP for its 0.13μm CMOS process. Kilopass XPM™ OTP technology is built using standard, commercially available CMOS logic process technologies and is silicon proven to deliver high density, high performance, and highly reliable, electrically field-programmable embedded NVM solutions at a low cost.

Kilopass was the first to pioneer antifuse technology, which is used to permanently program integrated circuits (ICs) in a standard CMOS process without extra mask steps. Antifuse is known to provide the highest degree of physical security for the permanent storage of sensitive information and is ideal for design IP protection. OTP devices can store data even during power shutdown. The data is programmed during production and stored forever. These types of devices frequently are used in video game consoles, mobile phones, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, implantable medical devices, high-definition multimedia interfaces (HDMI) and in many other consumer and automotive electronics products.

Click here for the full release.

For information about TowerJazz and wafer foundry processes offered, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form .

TowerJazz Licenses its Y-Flash NVM Technology to a Leading Digital Foundry

2010-06-30T15:53:00.014+01:00

TowerJazz announced today that it has licensed its Y-Flash Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) technology to a worldwide leading digital foundry. TowerJazz’s Y-Flash cell will be used by this foundry as a building block for its own process modules to enhance its current offering and modify it for implementation in a variety of technology nodes.

TowerJazz’s Y-Flash technology is the leading solution for NVM in the market today due to its small cell size, zero mask adder and flexibility to implement various NVM sizes. YFlash can support a variety of memory densities from a few bits for trimming and chip ID applications, up to 256Kb and more for code storage. NVM blocks that utilize this proprietary technology include array sizes that are up to five times smaller than other competitive solutions and can be built using only one gate oxide allowing for ultra low cost designs.

Click here to download the full release.

For information about TowerJazz and the CIS wafer foundry processes offered, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Updated Datasheet from Promex Industries - Specialist IC Packaging and Assembly

2010-06-24T22:57:00.003+01:00

Promex Industries, the leading specialist IC packaging and assembly house has released an updated datasheet :

IC Assembly and Custom IC Packaging

If you have a specific enquiry on Promex Industries' IC assembly or IC package development services, or if you just need more information, please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Solution in Silicon has confirmed attendence at Electronica 2010

2010-06-24T18:31:00.006+01:00

Solution in Silicon will be at the Electronica 2010 show in Munich from 9th to 12th November.

We look forward to meeting customers and prospective customers in Hall A5, booth 343.

Image sensor sales forecast to grow 31% in 2010

2010-06-22T11:32:00.001+01:00

After falling by 19 percent in 2009, sales of image sensors will grow by 31 percent in 2010, reaching a new record of $8.5 billion, according to projections from market research firm IC Insights Inc. The 2009 decline was the worst suffered by image sensors since the 2001 semiconductor recession, when the market segment fell by 24 percent, IC Insights (Scottsdale, Ariz.) said.

The projected 31 percent increase in 2010 would be the biggest sales jump for image sensors since 2004, when the market surged by 76 percent, according to the firm.
The projected growth of image sensors in 2010 is being driven by recovering demand for digital cameras, camera phones and machine-vision systems, according to IC Insights. CMOS-based image sensors are expected to account for about 61 percent of image sensor sales in 2010, compared with 39 percent for charge-coupled devices (CCD), according to the 2010 version of IC Insights' IC .....
EETimes Group online
June 2010

Click here to read the full article.

For information about TowerJazz and the CIS wafer foundry processes offered, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form .

TowerJazz CIS Technology Selected by Canesta

2010-06-21T14:24:00.017+01:00

$9.7B CMOS image sensor market to be fueled by new 3-D sensors

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, today announced that Canesta Inc. is using TowerJazz’s CMOS image sensor (CIS) technology to manufacture its innovative CanestaVision® 3-D image sensors.
CanestaVision chips are the industry's world’s first single-chip CMOS 3-D image sensor System on a Chip (SoC) for use in consumer desktop computing, TV and entertainment applications.
Next-generation consumer 3-D image sensors designed to enable a device to understand and interact with its environment will fuel the image sensor market. According to iSuppli, the CMOS image sensor market was $7.3 Billion in 2007. It is expected to grow to $9.7 Billion in 2012.
3-D image sensors enable consumers to interact with devices in natural ways and are expected to be widely deployed in a variety of markets including PC, consumer electronics and entertainment as well as many industry applications, among others. New mechanisms in which a user's actions or gestures drive the functions of a device have been proven by the success of recent video game and mobile phone products.

Click here to read the full release.

For information about TowerJazz and the CIS wafer foundry processes offered, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form .

TowerJazz to Provide ARM Low Power Libraries for 0.13 SiGe BiCMOS and RF CMOS

2010-05-26T11:23:00.004+01:00

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, today announced they will be providing ARM physical IP low power std cells and memory libraries for TowerJazz's new 0.13u SiGe BiCMOS process (SBL13) and its 0.13u RF CMOS process (TSL13). TowerJazz is adding this to its existing suite of IP to provide leading low
power and high performance physical libraries for its customers. The combination of TowerJazz's technology platforms with ARM standard cells, memory compilers and I/Os are ideal for customers designing RF and mobile applications that need high frequency and long battery life.
The SBL13 process combines SiGe bipolar performance with a mature 130nm CMOS copper (Cu) backend and is now also available from TowerJazz's Israel fab, achieving high performance RF with more integrated digital logic. Target markets for the solution are low power devices for wireless mobile (WLAN), general purpose communication, and digital TV tuners.

Click here to read the full release.

For information about TowerJazz and the Si and SiGe wafer foundry processes offered, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form .

TowerJazz - First Quarter 2010 Revenues increased 96% over First Quarter 2009

2010-05-12T16:37:00.035+01:00

TowerJazz, a specialty foundry, also announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
For the first quarter 2010, the company reported record revenue of $113.8 million. First quarter 2010 revenue represented a 96 percent increase over first quarter 2009 revenue of $58.1 million and 13 percent over fourth quarter 2009 revenue of $100.6 million.
Calculated in accordance with GAAP, first quarter 2010 loss was $36 million, or minus $0.18 per share, as compared to a loss of $28 million, or loss of $0.17 per share, for the first quarter of 2009 and $31 million or $0.16 per share in the previous quarter.
TowerJazz forecasts revenue in the second quarter of 2010 to range of $123 and $128 million, with a mid range guidance representing a sequential revenue growth of 10 percent and 107 percent year-over-year growth in revenues.
Mark LaPedus
EE Times
May 12th 2010

Read the full article here.

For information about TowerJazz and the Si and SiGe wafer foundry processes offered, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Solution in Silicon will be at Electronica 2010

2010-05-10T16:32:00.009+01:00

Solution in Silicon will be at the Electronica 2010 show in Munich from 9th to 12th November.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

TowerJazz Announces Next-Generation SiGe Technology for High Volume

2010-05-05T20:20:00.005+01:00

TowerJazz today announced design kit availability for its next generation 130nm SiGe BiCMOS technology (SBL13) for high volume consumer RF applications. The SBL13 process combines SiGe bipolar performance with a mature 130nm CMOS copper (Cu) backend to achieve high performance RF with more integrated digital logic. The technology is targeted at wireless RF and digital TV tuner applications which together are $1B markets and where higher performance, lower cost and higher digital integration are required. SBL13 is the first SiGe BiCMOS process to be built in its Israeli fab, and TowerJazz is the only foundry with SiGe BiCMOS in more than one fab, enabling unique manufacturing flexibility for high-performance RF designs.
The SBL13 process is well-suited for WLAN transceivers, cell phone transceivers, and TV tuners. By combining a mature 130nm Cu CMOS platform and a rich IP offering, it enables the design of complex baseband and demodulator functions at less than one-half the die size of a 0.18um process. A 100GHz SiGe bipolar device enables integration of low-noise and low-power RF and a high voltage SiGe device enables integration of power amplifiers and drivers.
The SBL13 process includes three NPN transistors with 40GHz, 74GHz and 100GHz Ft as well as high density passive elements such as an industry leading 5.6fF/um2 MIM capacitor and 3um thick copper inductors. 130nm CMOS with copper metallization achieves digital logic densities of up to 200Kgates/mm2 to result in higher performance and more highly integrated RF products.

Click here to read the full release.

For information about TowerJazz and the Si and SiGe wafer foundry processes offered, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form .

Solution in Silicon's new brochure now available for download

2010-05-03T23:29:00.011+01:00

Solution in Silicon continues its re-branding process with the release of a new brochure entitled "Supporting the Semiconductor Market in Europe" which pulls together all of the IC design, wafer foundry, test and assembly services now on offer.

The brochure is now available for download from the Solution in Silicon's web site or click here.

For more information on our services for Fabless design houses, Start ups and Semiconductor users please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form .

Solution in Silicon will be attending GSA London

2010-04-24T15:18:00.003+01:00

Solution in Silicon will attend the GSA/IET conference in London on May 18th and 19th 2010.

In its 7th year, the GSA & IET International Semiconductor Leadership Forum brings together executive management focused on European trends in semiconductor development and markets. Attendees come from Europe, Asia and the US and comprise professionals from fabless companies, industry suppliers and integrated device manufacturers, as well as executive leaders including CEOs/Presidents, CFOs, COOs, Vice President of Operations, Engineering and Marketing and Business Development. This year’s program will focus on leveraging and maximising European expertise in analog/mixed-signal, wireless, low-power applications and quality/reliability to access the emerging markets for silicon growth in areas that include smart cards, power electronics and home networking. The Conference will feature speakers from leading semiconductor companies worldwide.

For more information and registration details visit the GSA web site.

New DMEA Datasheet from Integra Technologies

2010-04-21T11:01:00.005+01:00

Following the recent announcement that Integra Technologies, LLC., a leading supplier of test services in the US, has been accredited by The Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), a new datasheet has been released.

For customers requiring semiconductor test software development, testing, qualification, characterization and other related technical services from a DMEA accredited supplier, Integra Technologies is the answer.

DMEA Trusted Source for Engineering and Test Services

For more information on Integra Technologies' IC test and IC test program development services for Mil?Aero customer please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz will be at the PCIM Exhibition, Nuremberg from May 4th to May 6th 2010

2010-04-18T10:28:00.024+01:00

TowerJazz will be at the PCIM Exhibition, Nuremberg from May 4th to May 6th 2010.

PCIM (Power Conversion Intelligent Motion) is Europe's leading meeting-point for experts out of the areas Power Electronics and its applications in Intelligent Motion and Power Quality. From the latest new materials to power quality, from energy-management to tutorials, PCIM offers a comprehensive and focused presentation under one roof!

Visit TowerJazz at Booth 12-656

Hall 12 Messezentrum

90471 Nuremberg, Germany

Tuesday, May 4th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday, May 5th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday, May 6th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Solution in Silicon will be attending Image Sensors Europe 2010

2010-03-19T21:29:00.000+00:00

This year Image Sensors Europe 2010 will be at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, London from 23 - 25 March 2010,
Solution in Silicon will be joining TowerJazz who will be exhibiting as well as presenting.

TowerJazz Joins IPL Alliance

2010-03-11T11:22:00.019+00:00

Today TowerJazz issued a new press release TowerJazz Joins IPL Alliance to Achieve Interoperability of Process Design Kits for Analog/Mixed-Signal Designs

TowerJazz, theglobal specialty foundry leader, today announced it has joined the IPL Alliance, an organization chartered with establishing an interoperable custom design ecosystem. The IPL Alliance, comprised of major EDA and foundry companies, has devised the first open standard for interoperable Process Design Kits (iPDKs) for analog/mixed-signal designs. The iPDK is based on the OpenAccess database and uses standard languages and unified architecture that ensure interoperability among all EDA vendor tools. Engineering teams only need to develop a single PDK for each process node which reduces development costs, shortens design cycles and provides designers with earlier access to advanced process technologies across multiple tools.
TowerJazz, a leader in specialty processes and design enablement, is developing best-in-class iPDKs that are derived from this standard. The benefits of iPDKs for customers over traditional proprietary PDKs include improved performance, increased reuse and portability through use of standards and broader EDA tool support. The pilot process for TowerJazz iPDKs will be its TS18 power management process, however the roadmap will cover all of its processes and TowerJazz customers will have the flexibility to choose which types of EDA flow to use....

Click on the link above to read the full release.

For information about TowerJazz and the Si and SiGe wafer foundry processes offered, please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Integra Technologies Becomes a DMEA Trusted Supplier for Test Services

2010-03-10T00:43:00.017+00:00

Integra Technologies, LLC., a leading supplier of test services in the US, has been accredited by The Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) as a DoD Category 1A Trusted Integrated Circuit Supplier for Test Services at their Wichita , KS facility. As a Trusted test supplier, Integra offers semiconductor test software development, testing, qualification, characterization and other related technical services. Integra's electrical test services encompass both final test and probe.
Integra has one of the largest and most experienced test engineering organizations in the industry and has earned an outstanding reputation for quality, consistency, and on-time delivery. Integra's engineering staff of 25 experienced engineers and installed base of 32 test systems is capable of handing all device technologies including RF, Digital, Analog, Linear and Mixed Signal.

Click here to view the current official list of trusted suppliers.

New Datasheet from Promex Industries

2010-03-08T16:11:00.020+00:00

If you are looking for a leading IC assembly service provider or a specialist IC packaging house then please go to the Solution in Silicon downloads page for a copy of two new datasheets from Promex Industries :

New Datasheet from Integra Technologies

2010-02-25T03:18:00.021+00:00

If you design digital ASICs, mixed signal ASICs or RF ASICs, or if you design complex high performance, high power or high frequency SiPs or multichip modules, do you have a test solution?

Are you looking for a leading edge provider of IC test services or IC test program development, then look no further; Integra Technologies can help.

Want to know more then please go to the Solution in Silicon downloads page for a copy of two new datasheets from Integra Technologies :

For more information on Integra Technologies' IC test and IC test program development services please call Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

TowerJazz Rolls Out Full Library of Patented Y-Flash Non-Volatile Memory Blocks at APEC 2010

2010-02-22T15:03:00.015+00:00

Today TowerJazz released the following new release Full Library of Patented Y-Flash Non-Volatile Memory Blocks at APEC 2010

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, today announced its full library of Y-Flash Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) building blocks at the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC), Booth #413, in Palm Springs, Calif., Feb. 22-24, 2010. This patented Y-Flash technology, not available from any other foundry in the industry, is designed to give customers flexibility on memory size, allowing optimization of performance/cost for any given application. TowerJazz invented its Y-Flash building blocks to meet the ever expanding customer needs for NVM in today’s power supplies for consumer, medical, industrial and automotive applications. VDC Research forecasts worldwide shipment of power management ICs to grow more than 10% annually through 2012.
Y-Flash is the leading solution for NVM in the market today due its small cell size, zero mask adder and flexibility to implement various memory sizes. Current competing NVM solutions for medium density memories add 11 or more masks to the process flow, over the standard ~20 masks, making it impossible to have a one-chip solution for digital power management. Y-Flash can support a variety of memory densities from a few bits for trimming and chip ID applications up to 256Kb and more for code storage. NVM blocks that utilize this proprietary technology include array sizes that are up to five times smaller than other competitive solutions and can be built using only one gate oxide allowing for ultra low cost designs. Y-Flash is well-suited for applications such as digital controlled power, portable products and products requiring very tight and well matched IOs.

Read the complete new release here.

TowerJazz to Expand Global Capacity Based on Customer Momentum

2010-02-16T19:33:00.015+00:00

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, today announced it has accelerated plans for additional capacity expansion to meet customer demand, which is exceeding current capacity. In the company's Fab2 located in Israel, capacity will increase by approximately 30,000 wafers per year in order to meet the greatly expanding needs of customers for its wide range of specialty process technologies. In the company’s manufacturing facility located in Newport Beach, CA, capacity will be increased by 36,000 wafers per year to enable the fab to accommodate the substantial increase in demand necessitating more than 100% utilization. The total payments to purchase the equipment by TowerJazz are expected to be approximately $15 million, resulting in an increase of approximately 66,000 wafers per year. Based on customer forecasts, this cost effective investment has a rate of return (ROR) of two quarters.
Ephie Koltin, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Operations, TowerJazz said, "By rapidly moving in and qualifying equipment to meet increasing demand, we will have an almost immediate return on our capital investment. This model of cost-effective, used tool purchase combined with accelerated qualification and fab ramp, allows us to align real time with our customers" forecasts with minimal idle tools. The increase in capacity has the obvious benefit of decreasing our fixed cost per wafer out, and combined with continual overall tool and supplier efficiency programs, is accretive to ....

To read the full press release click here.

TowerJazz and Soitec Sign Agreement to Offer Backside Illumination Platform for High-End Image Sensors

2010-02-11T10:43:00.028+00:00

TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader and The Soitec Group, the world's leading supplier of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and other engineered substrates for the microelectronics industry, announced today that they have signed an agreement that will enable a turn-key solution for high-end backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS image sensors (CIS) for industrial, medical and automotive applications.
"The market for BSI CMOS image sensors replacing current Front Side Illumination (FSI) technology is expected to reach $800M in 2013", according to Jerome Baron, principal analyst at Yole Developpement. "The BSI image sensor market will be mainly driven by digital cameras and cell-phone applications, but high performance imaging applications such as medical, industrial and automotive vision sensors are also an important segment. We estimate the market for high-end BSI image sensors to reach $120M in the same time frame.
The TowerJazz BSI CIS offering will leverage the foundry's extensive expertise and leadership in CIS technology and will integrate SOI substrates and Soitec's new Smart Stacking circuit layer transfer technology, customized for the TowerJazz fabrication process. Soitec is the market leader in SOI wafers and circuit stacking solutions and TowerJazz is well-known for its industry leading pixel performance. This collaboration will enable a rapid ramp to a complete BSI foundry solution that can be transparently utilized by TowerJazz customers.

Read the full release here.

For information about TowerJazz's Back Side Illumination and other CMOS Image Sensor wafer foundry processes please contact Solution in Silicon on +44 1732 844 611 or use our Enquiry Form

Solution in Silicon will be at the Image Sensors Europe 2010 show

2010-02-09T08:45:00.014+00:00

Solution in Silicon will be attending the Image Sensors Europe 2010 show on March 24th and March 25th 2010 at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, London.
Also there will be specialists from TowerJazz who will be able to discuss our world leading CMOS Image Sensor technologies.

Please come and meet us to discuss your sensor projects. Just come along or book an appointment by sending us an email or calling us on +44 1732 844 611

To find out more about the show click here to go to the official show web site.

Image Sensors Europe 2010 - Powered by RegOnline

2010-02-09T08:34:00.001+00:00

To register on-line click here: Image Sensors Europe 2010