Plessey set to launch ‘innovative’ semiconductors
1 min read
Following its recent relaunch, Plessey Semiconductors has unveiled its plans for a number of what it sees as 'innovative semiconductor' products, including amplifiers, demodulators, synthesisers and high speed prescalers. Designed mainly for the defence and space markets, the devices are also believed to have applicaion in the general communications, automotive and industrial control markets.
Dr Paul James, commercial director, said: "The first products designed on the bipolar processes are now coming out of the fab with very positive results. We are ahead of schedule on the first product releases and expect to have prototypes available in Q3 of this year. This is a very exciting time for the company as the realisation of our plan to transition from a foundry to a products company is starting to become a reality."
Operating from its fab in Plymouth and with a technology and design centre in Swindon, Plessey is currently transferring bipolar process technologies to the Plymouth facility. The combination of the high performance bipolar process technologies and its 0.35µm cmos process are said by Plessey to provide it with a 'unique advantage' for its planned full range of semiconductor products.
Dr Keith Strickland, technology director, added: "We will take advantage of our high voltage silicon on insulator processes coupled with high precision passive components to create exciting new high precision products for the industrial instrumentation market. Our silicon on insulator processes offer extended high temperature operation for radiation tolerant products for space and defence as well as the automotive and industrial markets."
