Bosch Designs Application-Specific Integrated Circuits for MEMS Sensors in Dresden
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Focus on automotive and consumer applications
· Design of Integrated Circuits for customer-specific demands
· Engagement in one of the most dynamic microelectronics centers in Europe
Bosch has started its ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) design activities for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors in Dresden, Germany. These sensors are silicon-based and sense for instance motions, pressure or magnetic fields. MEMS sensors are to be used in a variety of automotive applications such as motor controls, vehicle dynamics controls and rollover detection - more and more in consumer electronics applications such as smart phones, games consoles or tablets as well.
The related ASIC reads out the sensor and transmits the metered value in analog or digital mode. The correspondent design of the circuit allows reliable and secure figures of merit to be required for applications such as in smart phones or cars.
Bosch sees a huge growth potential in the market for MEMS sensors and related ASICs (Application Specific ICs). The new Dresden design center expands the company's existing network of IC design locations in Reutlingen, Munich, Shanghai and Bangalore. With its local presence in Dresden as one of Europe's most dynamic microelectronics industrial centers, Bosch also gets access to the great academic and engineering potential in the Dresden area.
"Besides our profound expertise in MEMS technology, excellent IC developers are essential factors for the expansion of our innovative product portfolio," says Udo-Martin Gomez , CTO of Bosch Sensortec GmbH. "At the same time, this move reflects Bosch's commitment to Germany as semiconductor development and manufacturing location," says Erich Biermann, Senior Vice President Engineering at Bosch Semiconductors.
Background: MEMS technology
Bosch was one of the pioneers in the development of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, and the company has produced well over two billion MEMS sensors since the start of production in 1995. Production volumes reach new record levels every year, with around half a billion sensors leaving the Reutlingen plant in 2011. This makes Bosch the world market leader, with a product range that comprises pressure, acceleration, yaw-rate, and inertial sensors for many applications in the automotive industry and in consumer electronics. For more information about Bosch automotive sensors, visit www.bosch-sensors.com.
Contact:
Tamer Sinanoglu
phone: +49 351 28278-669
Bosch Sensortec GmbH is a fully owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH. It develops and markets micro-mechanical sensors for consumer electronics, mobile phones, safety systems, industrial technology and logistics. The product portfolio includes triaxial geomagnetic and acceleration sensors, triaxial gyroscopes, barometric pressure sensors and a comprehensive software portfolio for various applications. Since its foundation in 2005 Bosch Sensortec emerged as the technology leader in the addressed markets. The Bosch Group has been the global market leader for MEMS sensors since 1998 and has to date sold more than 2 billion MEMS sensors.
For more information, go to www.bosch-sensortec.com.
Automotive Technology is the largest Bosch Group business sector. Its sales came to 30.4 billion euros, or 59 percent of total group sales, in fiscal 2011. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers. Worldwide, more than 175,000 Automotive Technology associates work in seven areas of business: injection technology for internal-combustion engines, powertrain peripherals, alternative drive concepts, active and passive safety systems, assistance and comfort functions, in-car information and communication, as well as services and technology for the automotive aftermarket. Bosch has been responsible for important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP® anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive technology, energy and building technology, industrial technology, and consumer goods, more than 300,000 associates generated sales of 51.5 billion euros in 2011. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and roughly 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends around 4.2 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 4,100 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group's products and services are designed to improve quality of life through solutions that are innovative and beneficial, as well as fascinating. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is "Invented for life."
Further information is available online at www.bosch.com and www.bosch-press.com
