C-motech and ArrayComm to deliver W-CDMA client devices

     C-motech Co. Ltd. and ArrayComm LLC has formed a joint technology partnership for integration of ArrayComm’s A-MAS multi-antenna signal processing software into C-motech’s next generation terminal devices.
     Through this agreement ArrayComm and C-motech will jointly develop and integrate A-MAS into C-motech’s client and data device cards, and C-motech will manufacture and distribute A-MAS in their next generation client devices on a global basis.
     “We are thrilled to be working with a wireless modem and module leader like C-motech,” said Steve Sifferman, president of ArrayComm.
     “We believe that C-motech and ArrayComm can create a significant opportunity for operators: Data devices with up to 2X throughput without making any changes to the network,” he added.
     “We are enhancing our product line and developing new solutions that deliver greater performance gains to our customers,” said Lee Jae Man, CEO of C-motech. “The end result of this collaboration will benefit operators worldwide with significant data performance improvements by using ArrayComm’s unique A-MAS software and our W-CDMA data products,” noted Lee.
     C-motech is a leader in the field of wireless access solutions, offering a full line of the third generation telecommunication terminals including GSM-based HSDPA, HSUPA, CDMA-based EV-DO, EV-DO rA and the new WIBRO-based technology and devices.
     Seoul-based C-motech Co. Ltd. announced earlier in the year that it has successfully secured an investment of 8 million dollars (about 7.6 billion won) from Intel Capital, the investment arm of Intel Corporation. For more information on C-motech, visit www.cmotech.com.
     ArrayComm LLC, a Ygomi Company, is the leader in multi-antenna signal processing software for wireless systems.
     ArrayComm’s A-MAS software improves network economics and user experiences through gains in coverage, client data rates, and capacity for all wireless communications protocols, in base station, client device, and MIMO architectures.
     A-MAS implementations include W-CDMA, HSDPA, WiMAX, PHS, GSM, and HC-SDMA networks.
     For wireless equipment manufacturers, tapping ArrayComm’s unmatched experience in MAS applications enables significant performance and time-to-market advantages while reducing development cost and technical risk.
     For more information on ArrayComm, visit www.arraycomm.com.

Hynix and Grandis ink pact on Spin-Transfer Torque RAM

     Hynix Semiconductor and Grandis have signed a long-term license agreement for memory products incorporating Grandis’ patents and intellectual property in spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM).
     The two companies have also entered into a collaborative agreement to jointly integrate Grandis’ fundamental STT-RAM technology into Hynix’s future memory products.
     STT-RAM is a next-generation, non-volatile memory (NVM) solution that overcomes the limitations of conventional magnetic RAM (MRAM) technologies.
     While existing memory technologies prove to be very difficult for manufacturing beyond the 40-nm process node, STT-RAM shows excellent scalability with shrinking design rules, which translates to greater density and, ultimately, lower cost per die.
     STT-RAM also consumes less power than existing mainstream memories, and provides unlimited endurance as well as fast read/write capability.
     Technical teams from both companies will work together to implement Grandis’ STT-RAM technology, including magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) materials and structures optimized for low writing current and high thermal stability, integration of MTJ and CMOS processes and design of STT-RAM cells and memory arrays.
     “Hynix is committed to being at the forefront of next-generation memory development,” said Sung Wook Park, head of R&D division at Hynix. ‘Grandis is leading in STT-RAM technology and has a broad portfolio of fundamental patents in this area. Through this partnership with Grandis, we look forward to integrating leading-edge STT-RAM technology into our semiconductor manufacturing processes and to a new era in memory capability at advanced technology nodes.”
     “STT-RAM is a disruptive technology that combines all the benefits of SRAM, DRAM and Flash memory, as well as offering scalability to future process nodes,” said Dr. Yiming Huai, vice president of engineering and chief technical officer of Grandis. “Our recent advances in magnetic materials have significantly lowered write current and opened up new markets for STT-RAM. We are excited to partner with Hynix, a world leader in DRAM, in developing STT-RAM memory products and accelerating their time to market with our leading STT-RAM technology.”
     Grandis licenses its technology to companies that are developing a variety of products incorporating stand-alone and embedded STT-RAM memory.

MagnaChip expands position in toy market with new sensor

     MagnaChip Semiconductor, Ltd., a leading provider of analog and mixed signal semiconductor products for high volume consumer applications, has begun shipping its MC511DB, 1.3 Mega pixel 1/4” CMOS Image Sensor SOC, for use in toys.
     Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, MagnaChip Semiconductor is a leading, Asia-based designer and manufacturer of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products for high volume consumer applications, such as mobile phones, digital televisions, flat panel displays, notebook computers, mobile multimedia devices and digital cameras.
     The company has a broad range of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor technology, supported by its 28-year operating history, large portfolio of registered and pending patents and extensive engineering and manufacturing process expertise.
     The MC511DB is a 1/4” optical format 1.3 mega pixel (1280 x 1024) CMOS sensor that enables modules as small as 8x8x5 mm.
     This small form factor, together with support for a single 2.8V power supply and low power consumption, allows OEMs to address the substantial market requirement for slim and low cost designs.
     This product offers on-the-fly bad pixel correction, positional lens vignetting correction, noise cancellation filters, and intelligent auto white balance with flash support, among other features.
     In addition, the low noise 11-bit analog to digital converter architecture and excellent low light sensitivity makes this product ideal for video applications and those requiring high quality imaging at low ambient light levels.
     Robert Krakauer, President of MagnaChip, said, “MagnaChip’s expansion to the toy market demonstrates continued momentum in our imaging business as we expand into new areas. Our expansion into the toy market is part of MagnaChip’s overall strategy to leverage its imaging technology and systems level expertise to extend its product and service offerings into adjacent end markets. Our investment in advanced pixel technologies, along with our custom fabrication processes for CMOS sensors ensure that we deliver leading image quality. This expansion is timely, as demand for high resolution image display toys continues to be strong.”
     For more information, visit www.magnachip.com.

Rohm and Haas Company acquires Gracel Display

     Rohm and Haas Company has acquired Gracel Display, a leading developer and manufacturer of Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) materials.
     The transaction, worth approximately $40 million, gives Rohm and Haas controlling interest in South Korea-based Gracel. Advanced OLED technology offers many performance benefits to improve the brightness, clarity and efficiency of flat panel displays.
     OLED consumes a fraction of the power compared to traditional display technologies (an important consideration in portable devices), and offers higher brightness and contrast for ultra clear pictures, wider viewing angles and an extremely thin design.
     OLED technology has recently gained traction, and is being commercialized in an increasing number of applications.
     The use of OLEDs in displays is expected to grow significantly in the next 10 years.
     The acquisition of Gracel and its portfolio of OLED materials broadens Rohm and Haas’s growing Display Technologies business. Rohm and Haas manufactures TFT (thin film transistor) photoresists and related materials as part of its Display Chemicals group, and added Optical Display Films when it acquired Eastman Kodak’s Light Management Films business in June 2007. Rohm and Haas launched SKC Haas Display Films in December 2007, a new joint venture that develops and manufactures advanced films and filters for LCD and plasma displays. Including the acquisition of Gracel, Rohm and Haas has invested $270 million during the last 12 months to build its Display Technologies business unit.
     “We’re pleased to welcome Gracel and its strong pipeline of OLED materials to Rohm and Haas,” said Dr. Yi Hyon Paik, vice president and business group director, Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials. “Gracel has an excellent track record of innovation and an established customer base. In fact, its advanced OLED materials are used today in devices that are manufactured by leading display companies. The future of this technology is very bright, and we look forward to bringing a new generation of OLED materials to the growing display market.”
     Dr. Pierre Brondeau, Rohm and Haas executive vice president, business group executive, said that OLED is an important addition to the company’s display materials portfolio.