Sep 12 2007
Dongbu HiTek today announced the availability of a new design library to support the processing of CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) processing at the 110nm node. Highlighting the foundry’s leadership in advancing CIS technology for mobile handset applications, the new library enables low leakage current in standby status as well as up to 5-megapixel resolution in camera phones.
The launch of the new 110nm CIS library follows Dongbu HiTek’s April 2007 introduction of a 130nm CIS library. Significantly, both libraries were entirely developed using Dongbu HiTek intellectual property (IP) without any collaboration with EDA vendors. Both libraries are offered at no charge to Dongbu HiTek’s foundry customers.
According to Min-Hwan Kim, Senior Manager Dongbu HiTek’s IP Development Team, CIS chips that migrate from the 130nm to the 110nm node can realize up to 30 percent reduction in feature size, which translates to more useful chips per wafer as well as higher foundry profit margins. He confirmed that the new library was completely developed using Dongbu HiTek’s IP, adding, “We have clearly demonstrated our capability to develop world-class design libraries without involving leading EDA companies such as ARM and Virage Logic.”
Joon Hwang, EVP in charge of the CIS Development for Dongbu HiTek noted that only final reliability testing remains to be performed before qualifying the foundry’s 110nm CIS process technology for volume production, and this will be completed over the next few months. “Our 110nm design library combined with our 110nm process technology will enable us to manufacture a wider range of CIS devices for mobile handset applications. By developing essential IP and design libraries early, Dongbu HiTek has positioned itself to provide best-in-class CIS devices for next generation mobile handsets.”
According to In-Stat’s just published report, "Image Sensors 2007: CMOS is Everywhere" (#IN0703690MI), the global image sensor market saw strong growth last year due primarily to the demand for camera phones, which accounted for more than three-quarters of all image sensors shipped. The high-tech market research firm confirmed that CIS devices dominated CCD devices in units shipped last year as it captured nearly an 80 percent share of all image sensor shipments while also making inroads into digital still cameras and camcorders, two markets traditionally dominated by CCDs. The In-Stat report also noted that the rapidly growing digital single lens reflex (DSLR) market has been transitioning to CIS devices.
In addition to specializing in CIS design and process technologies for mobile handset applications, Dongbu HiTek has also distinguished itself as a specialist in LCD Driver IC (LDI) technologies for a broad range of display applications. Having already internally developed a 130nm LDI design library, Dongbu HiTek is now using its own IP to develop a 110nm LDI design library, which is expected to be introduced early next year. The investments the company continues to make in these areas demonstrate its commitment to be a specialty foundry for fabless companies targeting the high-growth mobile handset and display markets.