Foveon to improve National's image

A National Semiconductor product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 13, 2003

National Semiconductor has signed a strategic licensing and manufacturing agreement to integrate the award-winning Foveon X3 image capture technology into its imaging solutions.

National Semiconductor has signed a strategic licensing and manufacturing agreement to integrate the award-winning Foveon X3 image capture technology into its imaging solutions, including new applications for handsets and consumer devices.

"Foveon X3 technology extends National's image sensor roadmap from low-cost VGA to high resolution images", said Joe Montalbo, Vice President and General Manager of National's Custom Solutions Group.

"Adding Foveon's X3 technology to our existing IP in image sensors, processors and connectivity gives National a superior position in the imaging marketplace".

Foveon, a privately held company partially funded by National and founded by Dr Carver Mead, a pioneer in solid state electronics and VLSI design, is rapidly redefining digital photography using analogue chips manufactured at National's state-of-the-art fabrication plant in South Portland, Maine.

In addition to developing the world's first 16.8Mpixel image sensor, Foveon has developed the X3 image sensor, the first and only image sensor that captures green, red and blue light at each and every pixel.

National, which already provides image sensor and processing solutions for consumer, handset and automotive applications, anticipates incorporating Foveon X3 technology into scanners, copiers and handsets, among other consumer-targeted applications.

"With the continued integration of imaging functions into cell phones and PDAs, products will be differentiated by the quality of the images they capture and send.

The combined technology-and-manufacturing strengths of National and Foveon will provide OEMs and consumers with outstanding images at affordable prices", Montalbo said.

"We are proud to work with National Semiconductor on projects that will expand the markets for Foveon's portfolio of image sensor products", said Jim Lau, President and CEO of Foveon.

"National's world-class manufacturing, sales and marketing organisation are a key asset in our development of new customers and markets".