TowerJazz's advanced CMOS image sensor technology powers e2v's high performing product families

CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND & MIGDAL HA'EMEK, ISRAEL: e2v, the global provider of high performance imaging solutions and TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, today announced the increased production of e2v's Ruby low light CMOS imaging sensors and the ELiiXA+ high speed multi-line scan camera using TowerJazz's advanced CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) technology.

e2v offers market leading systems and sensors for machine vision and industrial cameras integrating high end CMOS design for high performance imaging solutions which allow for significant system illumination cost reduction and very low-light imaging in outdoor camera applications.

The combination of e2v's innovative solutions with the high performance CIS technology and manufacturing capabilities of TowerJazz, have opened up new possibilities at system and sensor levels. New System-on-Chip (SoC) and camera generations with innovative embedded features have been introduced by e2v for the most demanding imaging applications.

TowerJazz's CIS technology has unique advantages for industrial image sensor applications enabling high speed and high sensitivity global shutter sensors with low noise and a high signal to noise ratio (SNR).

Officially introduced in the fourth quarter of 2011, the ELiiXA+ camera range and the Ruby imaging sensor family are demonstrating the successful relationship between e2v and TowerJazz. The new product families described join several of e2v's products already running in volume production at TowerJazz's Fab 2, including sensors for industrial, medical, scientific and space applications.

With a strong relationship of over six years, e2v has been progressively increasing production at TowerJazz to match demand for these advanced sensor solutions. According to Yole Development's Image Sensor market research, the machine vision market is expected to be $88 million by 2015 with a CAGR of 23 percent.

"We are pleased to have TowerJazz as our development and manufacturing partner as we increase production for high performance imaging markets. Their unique technology offering, high production quality and high yields enable strong performing and cost-effective product solutions for our rich IP portfolio," said Francois Thouret, divisional director for e2v's high performance imaging solutions business. "We continue to develop the next CMOS imaging solutions with our customers in order to satisfy the need for more high performance and customized solutions. We value the capabilities and flexibility of a foundry partner like TowerJazz to meet our stringent requirements by offering a unique combination of process technology, pixel expertise, flexibility, customization & exemplary customer support."

"Our close R&D collaboration is key in making successful and high performing sensors. Our CIS process technology is a great enabler for companies like e2v making high-end CIS products. In this case, high performing global shutter pixel knowhow was a key factor. We offer unique patented stitching solutions which are vital for some large scale industrial sensor applications," said Dr. Avi Strum, VP and GM of TowerJazz's Specialty Business Unit. "We are very proud of our partnership with e2v, a company with an impressive track record of innovation and technological breakthroughs."