Device carries cost
advantages of CMOS devices with picture quality of
CCD sensors
Yokohama, Japan, February 4, 2002 (JCN Newswire) - INNOTECH
Corp., one of Japan's leading semiconductor trading companies,
released details of its Threshold Voltage Modulation Image
Sensor (VMIS), a new type of solid-state sensor that aims
to set the standard for next-generation imaging devices.
Speaking at the 2002 International Solid-State Circuits
Conference (ISSCC) on Feb. 3, Takashi Miida, Director of
INNOTECH's Core Technology Development Department which
developed VMIS, explained how VMIS maximizes the efficiency
with which it converts photoelectric charges from the photo
detecting device into electrical charges.
This design means image quality is similar to that of
Charge Coupled Device (CCD) sensors, while it also incorporates
the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) process,
which brings the benefits of reduced power consumption
and lower voltages. The sensor's structure also allows
integration into LSI devices.
With picture quality of 5-10 megapixels, VMIS is suitable
for use in surgical cameras and other medical devices,
security systems, and a wide range of consumer electronics
such as web cameras, digital cameras, and portable video
phones.
"INNOTECH is very pleased to announce details of
the revolutionary VMIS image sensor at such a prestigious
event," said Mr. Miida. "The advanced technology
in the VMIS image sensor is the result of INNOTECH's focus
on its own research and development, and we aim to make
VMIS the standard image sensor in next-generation imaging
technology."
The ISSCC is the leading forum for major semiconductor
manufacturers and university-affiliated research institutions
to display the results of their research. Most of the announcements
relating to image sensors are concerned with CMOS-type
solid-state sensors.
As such, it is rare for a trading company such as INNOTECH
to make announcements of this type, and INNOTECH hopes
VMIS sets a new direction for the company as a producer
of unique and advanced technology.
The Company also aims to increase its line up of LSIs
and other products to expand its core distribution business,
continuing to offer superlative results to companies looking
to supply semiconductors and other technology to Japan.
About INNOTECH
Founded in 1987, INNOTECH is Japan's premier importer
of high-end semiconductor devices and equipment and a skilled
support partner to many of Japan's top electronics makers.
The Company maintains direct relationships with every major
semiconductor manufacturer in Japan. Today's INNOTECH is
a high-paced company that prides itself on making swift
but informed decisions to keep up with the pace of an ever-changing
electronics market. In recent years we have begun to leverage
our built-up corporate knowledge and technological expertise
to expand in development, and licensing of our own patented
technology in Japan.
For more information about INNOTECH,
please visit the company's website at:
http://www.innotech.co.jp/english/index.html . |
