The Semiconductor Products sector of Motorola Inc is teaming up with Eastman Kodak Co to develop Advanced CMOS Imager technology that could change the way we communicate. The companies believe CMOS image sensors as opposed to the existing charge coupled device sensors, will be especially valuable for future high volume digital products such as digital cameras. The companies will integrate Kodak’s digital imaging technology with Motorola’s CMOS manufacturing technology, to produce smaller, cheaper sensors for devices including cameras and scanners., and think the idea of integrating vision capabilities with mainstream CMOS manufacturing will open the use of imaging sensors to a broader range of products. These products will, the companies say, enable traditional methods of communication such as voice and data to be enhanced, with people being able to send information through images as well. Analog and microprocessor technologies will be combined on to a sensor chip, enabling Kodak and Motorola to create market specific systems, although the digital imaging market will be prime target. General manager of the Consumer Systems group at Motorola, Carlos Genardini says there is already a need for the technology in areas embracing cameras and scanners and alike, but said the future will see additional applications designed for the transportation, wireless consumer, security and industrial application markets. The ACI sensors will be manufactured with technology known as ImageMOS that is based on standard CMOS processes, but which is said to offer high quality images and low power consumption.
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