News Article
Cypress buys IMEC image sensor spin-off
Cypress Semiconductor has closed its $100mn acquisition of FillFactory, a Belgium-based spin-off from the European IMEC research centre (Bulletin 538, June 23, 2004). Cypress expects FillFactory's active-pixel CMOS image sensor technology to effectively double its sales into the cell phone market - where Cypress already sells low-power memories - and to augment its penetration of additional market segments, including digital still cameras (DSCs) and automotive.
Cypress Semiconductor has closed its $100mn acquisition of FillFactory, a Belgium-based spin-off from the European IMEC research centre (Bulletin 538, June 23, 2004). Cypress expects FillFactory's active-pixel CMOS image sensor technology to effectively double its sales into the cell phone market - where Cypress already sells low-power memories - and to augment its penetration of additional market segments, including digital still cameras (DSCs) and automotive.
TJ Rodgers, Cypress president and CEO, reports: "FillFactory's first Cypress-manufactured product will be made directly on our RAM8 CMOS process. Cypress's MicroPower processes are very well suited for image sensors."
FillFactory manufactures a range of products, such as a 13.85Mpixel device for Kodak professional cameras, a mammography sensor and radiation-tolerant products for use in aerospace applications.
