News
Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems
Overview
Please find on this page publications and press releases about quite recent research results, new products and customer specific projects of the Fraunhofer IMS.
Microsystems Technogy Lab&Fab
06.05.2013
Microsystems technology and microelectronics merge closely to create compact „intelligent“ sensors and actors. The Microsystems technology (MST or MOEMS micro opto electro-mechanical systems) expands the CMOS-technology. MST provides sensor and actor functions, CMOS supplies the electronics. MST pro...[more]
Annual Report 2012
02.04.2013
For Fraunhofer IMS the year 2012 was characterized by a fluctuating R&D revenue situation. The high level of the industrial revenues in 2011 couldn’t be reached due to a weaker order situation of ASICs. With a constant number of employees in comparison to the previous year, the operating budget ...[more]
Copper, gold and tin for efficient chips
05.12.2012
With gold, copper or tin and special galvanizing processes, scientists are improving the function of semi-conductors and making the manufacture of microelectronic systems a child‘s play. Especially the LED industry could profit from this. They are particularly small, durable and economical: LEDs ha...[more]
Ultrasensitive photon hunter
01.11.2012
Fast and ultrasensitive optical systems are gaining increasing signifi cance and are being used in a diverse range of applications, for example, in imaging procedures in the fields of medicine and biology, in astronomy and in safety engineering for the automotive industry. Frequently the challenge l...[more]
Invitation to Workshop 'High Temperature Electronics'
23.09.2012
High Temperature Electronics is a continuously growing market with new challenges and high application potential. Get in touch with users and technology providers and follow interesting presentations during our workshop 'High Temperature Electronics'. We cordially invite you to the workshop whic...[more]
Measuring glucose without needle pricks
04.09.2012
Pricking a finger everyday is just part of everyday life for many diabetes patients. A non-invasive measurement approach could release them from the constant pain of pin pricks. The linchpin is a biosensor engineered by Fraunhofer researchers: A tiny chip combines measurement and digital analysis – ...[more]
High Temperature Electronic
20.07.2012
High temperature IC design and fabrication Fraunhofer IMS has more than a decade of expertise in the design and wafer processing of high temperature integrated circuits and systems for operating temperatures up to 250°C. Based on numerous existing analog and digital IP blocks we realize applicatio...[more]
IC Design und & ASICs
20.07.2012
IC Design Analog, digital and mixed signal integrated circuits are core competences of Fraunhofer IMS. Application specific integrated circuits enable our customers to provide cost efficient and powerful products. We offer the full spectrum from custom to IP-based ASIC solutions. Full-custom ASICs...[more]
Flying 3D eye-bots
02.05.2012
They can be deployed as additional surveillance resources during major events, or as high-resolution 3D street imaging systems. Intelligent swarms of aerial drones are a universally useful tool for police, crisis managers and urban planners. Special 3D sensors developed by Fraunhofer researchers ens...[more]
First Edition „CMOS Image Sensors Compact“
02.05.2012
We have the pleasure of inviting you to read about the latest CMOS Imager news of Fraunhofer IMS. This is the first edition of an information service that will be distributed quarterly in the future. In this way we want to communicate technical aspects, news, meeting possibilities on conferences or ...[more]
Annual Report 2011
27.02.2012
For Fraunhofer IMS the year 2011 was characterized by the stabilization of the high level reached in the previous year. With an increasing number of employees in comparison to the previous year, the operating budget in 2011 amounted to 25,8 million euros. Therefore the good results of 2010 could be ...[more]
High-speed CMOS sensors provide better images
03.01.2012
Conventional CMOS image sensors are not suitable for low-light applications such as fluorescence, since large pixels arranged in a matrix do not support high readout speeds. A new optoelectronic component speeds up this process. It has already been patented. CMOS image sensors have long since been...[more]
6th Fraunhofer IMS Workshop CMOS Imaging EXTENDING THE DIMENSIONS
19.10.2011
June 12th and 13th, 2012 Objectives and ScopeThe past CMOS Imaging Workshops were a great success andwere met with very high interest. We want to continue providinga forum to the European industry and academia for importantthemes on technology, design, and applications of CMOS-basedimage sensors an...[more]
Microlenses for 3-D endoscopes
05.10.2011
Modern endoscopic techniques enable doctors to perform surgery without major incisions. Certain interventions require instruments with special 3-D optics. Researchers have developed an image sensor that transmits perfect 3-D images from inside the human body thanks to the use of microlenses. The su...[more]
Wireless window contacts – no maintenance, no batteries
01.09.2011
Window contacts tell us which of a house’s windows are open or closed. Researchers have now developed a fail-safe system that is particularly easy to use and needs no wiring or batteries. The sensors harvest the energy they need to run from ambient radio signals. It is 7:30 a.m. and high time she l...[more]
Round-table with Science Minister Svenja Schulze
31.07.2011
Science Minister Svenja Schulze invited experts to a special meeting on July 25th in Düsseldorf. Experts from research and practice discussed prospects and potentials of microsystems technology in North Rhine-Westphalia. “Microsystems technology as a key technology can strengthen the established se...[more]
The fine art of etching
14.06.2011
They see more than the naked eye and could make traffic safer: miniaturized thermal imaging sensors. But they are difficult to manufacture on a commercial scale. Researchers have now developed a new system. On it, special micro-electromechanical systems can be produced – with the correct etching tec...[more]
Wireless sensor network monitors microclimate in the forest
02.05.2011
During a forest monitoring operation, forestry scientists measure various environmental values. This is how they obtain indications about how the forests are changing and what can be done to preserve them. However, installing and maintaining the wired measuring stations is complex: Researchers devel...[more]
The IMS is opening its Microsystems Technology Lab & Fab on June 22nd
02.05.2011
The setup time is over, (almost) all machines and facilities are installed in the new clean room and ready for use. In the Microsystems technology Lab & Fab novel microchips are developed “Above CMOS” by “Post Processing”. The combination of microsystems technology and CMOS technology leads to ...[more]
Crash sensor boosts safety in warehouses
04.04.2011
For reasons of workplace safety, storage shelves in warehouses are subjected to routine testing of their stability. These inspection rounds are time-consuming and deliver just a snapshot in time. Researchers have devised a wireless, sensor-based system to provide continuous monitoring of the conditi...[more]
UV-transparent coating for image sensors
02.03.2011
Image sensors as used in cell phones are partially color-blind. This is because of their coating, which prevents UV light from passing through. CMOS chips have as a result not been suitable for spectroscopy up to now. A new production process makes the coating transparent – and the sensors suitable ...[more]
Radio signals from the heart
14.10.2010
Increased pressure in the heart is a warning sign – it may indicate heart failure. In future, a battery-less miniature sensor implanted in a patient’s heart could be used to transmit on-demand cardiac pressure readings to their attending physician.[more]
Image sensors for extreme temperatures
14.10.2010
Image sensors which are used as electronic parking aids in cars or for quality control in production systems have to be able to withstand the often very high temperatures that prevail in these environments. Research scientists have produced a CMOS chip which functions even at a temperature of 115 de...[more]
MiSPiA: Fast 3D Imaging Arrays for pre-crash safety system in cars
25.07.2010
LAUNCH OF “MiSPiA” FP7 PROJECT Milan, 9 July 2010 – “MiSPiA” (Microelectronic Single-Photon 3D Imaging Arrays for low-light high-speed Safety and Security Applications) is a new Collaborative research project funded by the European Commission in its Seventh Framework Programme for research, technol...[more]
Infrared camera provides a better view
05.07.2010
Infrared cameras see more than the naked eye and can make road traffic safer. Cameras for the long-wave infrared range, however, have the disadvantage that the sensor requires constant cooling, which adds to the cost and complexity of the device. Now a new type of detector has been developed which f...[more]
Tracking down rust
08.04.2010
Damage to concrete bridges caused by rust can have fatal consequences, at worst leading to a total collapse. Now, researchers have developed an early-warning system for rust. Sensor-transponders integrated in the concrete allow the extent of corrosion to be measured. Concrete bridges have to be str...[more]
Pressure sensors on alert
11.03.2010
Vacuum panels are particularly good for insulating buildings – as long as the vacuum does not leak. A tiny pressure sensor constantly checks the condition of the vacuum and indicates whether the insulation effect is still present. Mrs Miller is happy. Since she moved to the new apartment building s...[more]
Microtechnological talent pool
31.03.2010
In the context of a professional training program which was financed by the “Bundesagentur für Arbeit”12 participants from companies and five other retrainees were trained microtechnologists by the RAG BILDUNG in Dortmund. The best result that has ever been obtained by a microtechnologist at the “C...[more]
HIESPANA "Hierarchic simulation of nanoelectronic systems for the control of process variations”"
31.03.2010
The approach to physical limits by changing from micro- to nanoelectronics makes the scaling of further semiconductor devices and systems more difficult. Five cooperating Fraunhofer institutes develop and implement a hierarchic simulation approach. Along the process-, device-, circuit- and system s...[more]
No-sweat pressure sensors
27.01.2010
Microelectronic chips used to take pressure readings are very delicate. A new technology has been developed that makes pressure sensors more robust, enabling them to continue operating normally at temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius. The drill bit gradually burrows deeper into the earth, working...[more]
Color sensors for better vision
20.10.2009
CMOS image sensors in special cameras – as used for driver assistance systems – mostly only provide monochrome images and have a limited sensitivity to light. Thanks to a new production process these sensors can now distinguish color and are much more sensitive to light. The car of the future will ...[more]
Lactate test made easy
08.05.2009
The lactate value indicates levels of fitness. At present, athletes have to visit a doctor to have it measured. A new analytical device will make things easier in future: athletes can wear it and check their lactate readings during training. Performance athletes need to know their blood lactate lev...[more]
inBath – assistive bathroom surroundings at inHaus-Innovation-Center
20.03.2009
Fraunhofer-inHaus-Center is the innovation workshop of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft for SmartHomes and SmartBuildings. We develop appli-cation solutions for residential and real estate properties. Our main goal is to design solutions in order to be more efficient in planning, building, facility managemen...[more]
Prices at the push of a button
09.04.2008
Changing the prices on supermarket shelves often involves a lot of running around for the employees. A system of networked displays enables prices to be updated quickly and at any time from a central computer. Sometimes you get a pleasant surprise at the checkout: T-shirt, camera or chocolate cost...[more]
Joined NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia) and Dutch Workshop on:
05.10.2005RFID and Wireless Networks in Logistic Systems November 16th , 2005 Duisburg / Germany[more]
Cooperation signed with ELMOS AG and IMS Duisburg
09.06.2005
First chips produced already – Cooperation on many levels Dortmund: ELMOS Semiconductor AG has signed a cooperation agreement with the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems (IMS) in Duisburg. The contract covers joint research and development as well as the cooperative use o...[more]
Ideal Climate for vegetables
20.05.2005
If plants are to thrive in a greenhouse under optimal conditions, the indoor temperature should be monitored and regulated at various points. Radio-linked sensor networks are a flexible and inexpensive solution, particularly as they eliminate the need for wiring. To grow flowers and vegetables in g...[more]
Membership ZigBeeTM alliance
17.05.2005![[Translate to english:]](typo3temp/pics/53ed07730b.jpg "[Translate to english:]")
The Fraunhofer Society now takes an active part in the ZigBeeTM alliance, a union of enterprises and companies promoting the open and global ZigBeeTM standard. The objective of this union is to establish low-cost and low-power solutions for wireless network communication. Fields of applications are ...[more]
New high dynamic range CMOS Image Sensors and Cameras
17.05.2005![[Translate to english:]](typo3temp/pics/b4b443657c.jpg "[Translate to english:]")
One highlight is the new high dynamic range automotive camera that has been developed as demonstrator for BMW AG. This camera system featuring PAL TV resolution utilizes the patented principle of multiple exposure. The heart of the camera is the new CMOS image sensor with 768 x 576 pixel resolution...[more]
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