The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) in Singapore and GlobalFoundries are joining hands to develop MEMS based capacitive sensor platform technology for motion sensing applications that are relevant to consumer electronics, automotive and aerospace industries. MEMS capacitive sensor technologies are increasingly common in today's consumer electronics, and play a key role in the way users interact with mobile communication devices and 3D virtual multimedia gaming systems.
Under the agreement, GlobalFoundries will be responsible for preliminary platform design specifications and process flow. IME will concentrate its effort in developing a modular and scalable capacitive sensor technology platform with standardized process modules and process integration scheme based on IME's MEMS fabrication facilities and tools. IME said that its multi-wafer bonding technology will be a key enabler for this joint project.
"GlobalFoundries is a founding member of the A*STAR MEMS Consortium and we are glad to extend our collaboration with IME to support Singapore's vision of a world-class MEMS hub for R&D and manufacturing," said Mr. Raj Kumar, Senior Vice President of the 200-mm Business Unit and General Manager of GlobalFoundries Singapore. "By partnering with IME, GlobalFoundries is able to leverage on IME's 16 years of expertise in MEMS technology development. The joint development of platform technology and design enablement will greatly help GlobalFoundries enhance its MEMS foundry offering to its customers."
Said Professor Dim-Lee Kwong, Executive Director of IME, "The worldwide MEMS industry is entering an exciting chapter in their development and growth, with revenues projected to hit more than $16 billion in 2015. IME is committed to helping our industry partners respond faster to upcoming trends by anticipating their needs and providing them with solutions that are relevant, practical and sustainable."
The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) is a research institute of the Science and Engineering Research Council of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Positioned to bridge the R&D between academia and industry, IME's mission is to add value to Singapore's semiconductor industry by developing strategic competencies, innovative technologies and intellectual property; enabling enterprises to be technologically competitive; and cultivating a technology talent pool to inject new knowledge to the industry. Its key research areas are in integrated circuits design, advanced packaging, bioelectronics and medical devices, MEMS, nanoelectronics, and photonics.
GlobalFoundries claims to be the world's first full-service semiconductor foundry with a truly global manufacturing and technology footprint. Launched in March 2009 through a partnership between AMD and the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), GlobalFoundries provides a combination of advanced technology, semiconductor manufacturing and global operations.
With the integration of Chartered in January 2010, GlobalFoundries significantly expanded its capacity and ability to provide semiconductor foundry services. GlobalFoundries is headquartered in Silicon Valley with manufacturing operations in Singapore, Germany, and a new leading-edge fab under construction in Saratoga County, New York. These sites are supported by a global network of R&D, design enablement, and customer support in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Japan, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
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