+44 (0)24 7671 8970
More publications     •     Advertise with us     •     Contact us
*/
News Article

STMicroelectronics Obtains IP For Pico-Projectors



STMicroelectronics has taken another step in its positioning in the emerging video-sharing market for smartphones and other portable consumer devices. The firm has acquired IP and talent from projection-technology innovator, bTendo.

Following a successful joint development effort with start-up bTendo, ST has acquired the intellectual property and has hired most of the staff of the Israeli company to accelerate the propagation of the technology.

The development effort, which has been aimed at combining bTendo's innovative Scanning Laser Projection engine with ST's MEMS expertise, video processing know-how and semiconductor process technology, has produced evaluation samples ideally suited for integration into next-generation smartphones, digital cameras and laptops. These compact low power consumption samples are now in the hands of potential customers.

The Scanning Laser Projection engine produces a focus-free high-resolution output that will allow users to display their video, pictures and presentations virtually anywhere. The bTendo innovative solution provides one of the smallest foot prints in the market with the excellent efficiency and meets the toughest mobile-makers design requirements.

Specifically, in a module smaller than 1.7cm3 and less than 5mm high, the projection engine is ideally suited for integration in even the sleekest smartphones and other portable devices.

"As a pioneer and the industry's leading innovator in MEMS, we're making pico-projectors small, power-friendly, and convenient enough to suit smart phones, digital cameras and laptops," said Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ST's Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group. "Combining ST's IP and technical expertise with bTendo's Scanning Laser Projection engine is enabling us to meet the demands of the emerging market of embedded projectors in next-generation portable consumer devices while preparing to simultaneously open up new markets."

Market research firm Pacific Media Associates, forecasts the market for pico-projectors to expand to 58 million units in 2015, up from about 3 million units shipped in 2011, a compound annual growth rate of more than 80%. This latest acquisition should hopefully ebnable ST to fully benefit from this rapid market growth.

 

×
Search the news archive

To close this popup you can press escape or click the close icon.
Logo
×
Logo
×
Register - Step 1

You may choose to subscribe to the Silicon Semiconductor Magazine, the Silicon Semiconductor Newsletter, or both. You may also request additional information if required, before submitting your application.


Please subscribe me to:

 

You chose the industry type of "Other"

Please enter the industry that you work in:
Please enter the industry that you work in: