The following video explains Toshiba’s (EN) Image sensor technology: Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF):
Toshiba: CMOS Area Image Sensors
Toshiba CMOS area image sensor
Toshiba CMOS image sensors deliver high performance and small form factors for smartphones, tablet PCs, surveillance and automotive cameras. Advanced technologies such as high dynamic range (HDR) for smooth and crisp video; color noise reduction (CNR) for truer colors; and backside illumination (BSI) for high sensitivity open up new possibilities. Additionally, Toshiba image sensors provide high-quality images thanks to advanced CMOS sensor technologies such as micro-lens and photodiode optimizations. Toshiba CMOS image sensors are available with a wide range of resolutions from VGA to over 10 million pixels and with a pixel sizes from 1.12 µm to 5.6 µm.
http://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/product/sensor/cmos-sensor.html
“Toshiba offers an extensive portfolio of CMOS image sensors suitable for various applications such as smartphones, tablet PCs , surveillance cameras, automotive cameras and digital cameras.”
Recently, Sony and Toshiba have entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding that confirms their intent to negotiate the transfer to Sony of certain Toshiba owned semiconductor fabrication facilities, equipment and related assets in Oita Prefecture, Japan, and also other related equipment and assets.
This acquisition will enable Sony to increase its production capabilities in the area of CMOS image sensors, where further market growth is anticipated.
- The expected acquisition amount is ¥20 billion (USD $165 million).
Sony leads the global market for chips used in smartphones and cameras to take and digitize photos. The company is already quadrupling spending on semiconductors this year to ¥290 billion to meet demand for the sensors from customers including Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co.
Kyodo, Bloomberg
Toshiba and Sony aim to complete the transfer within the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, subject to any required regulatory approvals.
PRESS RELEASE
October 28, 2015
Sony and Toshiba Sign Memorandum of Understanding for the Transfer of Certain Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities
Sony Corporation
Toshiba Corporation
Tokyo, Japan, October 28, 2015 — Sony Corporation (“Sony”) and Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) today announced that they have entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding that confirms their intent to negotiate the transfer to Sony of certain Toshiba owned semiconductor fabrication facilities, equipment and related assets in Oita Prefecture, and also other related equipment and assets.
The parties intend to transfer fabrication facilities, equipment and related assets of Toshiba’s 300mm wafer production line, mainly located at its Oita Operations. Following the transfer, Sony plans to operate the site as a production facility of Sony Semiconductor Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony, primarily for manufacturing CMOS image sensors.
Negotiations between the parties are proceeding with a view to Toshiba outsourcing production of the semiconductor products Toshiba currently manufactures on its 300mm wafer production line to Sony Semiconductor Corporation following the transfer.
The parties also are planning to make arrangements to offer the employees of Toshiba and its affiliates, employed at the manufacturing facilities to be transferred, as well as those involved in areas such as CMOS image sensor engineering and design (approximately 1,100 employees in total), employment within the Sony Group, upon the completion of the transfer.
This acquisition will enable Sony to increase its production capabilities in the area of CMOS image sensors, where further market growth is anticipated.
Withdrawing from the CMOS image sensors business will allow Toshiba to devote its resources to products where it has a high technological advantage, and aim to improve the profitability of its system LSI business.
After due diligence on the semiconductor fabrication facilities, equipment and related assets to be transferred, Sony and Toshiba aim to execute legally binding definitive agreements by the end of calendar year 2015. Thereafter, Toshiba and Sony aim to complete the transfer within the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, subject to any required regulatory approvals.
Outline of 300mm wafer fabrication facilities, Toshiba Oita Operations
Building completion: February, 2004
Location: 3500 Oaza Matsuoka, Oita City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Building area: 24,100 m2
Total floor space: 48,800 m2
Main products: CMOS image sensors, memory controllers