Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Aptina Licenses OTP IP in 65nm TSMC Process

MarketWire: Sidense announces that Aptina is using Sidense's field-programmable 1T-OTP memory macros for several image sensor and camera module products for the mobile, consumer, automotive and surveillance markets. The 1T-OTP IP is developed for TSMC's 65nm LP process node. The 1T-OTP macros support calibration and optimization of image sensors in a chip, module or system environment.

"Aptina chose Sidense OTP for storing calibration and lens correction information in our image sensor and companion chip products for its small macro area, reliable field programmability to support correction in finished modules, and scalability to new process nodes for future product development," said Sion Quinlan, Aptina's Director of Circuit IP. "Because Sidense's OTP does not add any additional processing steps or masks to our sensor process, Aptina benefits with a cost and time savings."

4 comments:

  1. Is this KILOPASS technology ?

    -yang ni

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    Replies
    1. No - Sidense has their own, patented OTP technology they use in their NVM macros covering a wide range of foundries and process nodes and variants.

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  2. I'm not sure about the differences between Sidense and Kilopass OTPs, but the most interesting part of the announcement is TSMC name in it. If indeed Aptina is switching over to TSMC, it can create quite an interesting situation when one foundry controls a good chunk of the market. TSMC manufactures sensors for Omnivision, Aptina and Himax, to name a few that officially announced their foundry affiliations. Whether Aptina takes market share from Omnivision or wise versa, TSMC is still a big winner here.

    As a matter of fact, TSMC has an excellent CIS process and support, from my own experience. It's a good choice on Aptina's part, if indeed Aptina has chosen TSMC.

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  3. thanks for clarifying my belief, vlad. a lot of people like to think that tsmc only does biz w/ ovt. lol

    EK

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