ST. PAUL, MN, Feb 10, 2025 – 3M is expanding its commitment to the semiconductor industry by joining the US-JOINT Consortium, a partnership of 12 semiconductor suppliers. The consortium leads research and development in next-gen packaging and back-end processing technologies for next-gen semiconductors. This effort is supported by a new facility in Silicon Valley.
“As the demands of AI and other high performance computing technologies increase, suppliers must work together to provide comprehensive solutions to tough challenges on increasingly shorter timelines.” said Steven Vander Louw, 3M’s president of display and electronics product platforms. “The companies in the US-JOINT Consortium represent US and Japanese innovation leaders in a range of advanced packaging technologies. 3M is pleased to join the consortium in order to bring our decades of materials science expertise, across more than 50 technology platforms, to help address these challenges.”
For more than 25 years, 3M has been a supplier of materials and processing aids for semiconductor polishing, advanced packaging, and chip transport applications. Teaming up with industry leaders continues to reinforce 3M’s commitment to be an integrated total solutions provider for the semiconductor industry.
The consortium was founded in 2023 and led by Japan-based Resonac, a leader in the semiconductor and electronics industry.
“We are delighted to welcome 3M to the US-JOINT Consortium,” said Hidenori Abe, CTO for semiconductor materials, Resonac. “3M’s expertise in materials science and commitment to innovation in advanced packaging device and process solutions will be an asset as we work together to solve difficult technical and integration challenges for customers onshore in the United States.”
The new US-JOINT Consortium R&D facility is expected to be unveiled later in 2025 in conjunction with a public launch event.
About 3M
3M, established in 1902 as the Minnesota mining and manufacturing company, is a diversified technology conglomerate headquartered in Maplewood, MN. 3M has developed a vast array of products, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, electronic circuits, and optical films. The company serves multiple industries such as electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, healthcare, and safety sectors. In 2023, 3M reported sales of $33 billion and employed approximately 85,000 people globally.
KRISTIANSAND, NORWAY, Feb 7, 2025 – Nanopower Semiconductor AS has appointed ex-Nordic Semiconductor chief technology officer (CTO) Svein-Egil Nielsen as the chair of its board of directors. Nanopower is a Norwegian fabless semiconductor manufacturer of the nPZero power-saving IC that reduces the power consumption of battery-powered applications by up to 90%.
Svein-Egil Nielsen
Nanopower CEO Tore Irgens Kuhnle said: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Nielsen as the new Chair of our Board of Directors. His extensive track record and deep expertise in the semiconductor industry make him an invaluable addition. With his leadership, we are poised to accelerate both our commercial success and product innovation.’
Svein-Egil Nielsen spent almost 20 years at Nordic Semiconductor, including 11 years as CTO after having also been the Sales & Marketing Director. Nielsen played a key role in Nordic’s development into a top global company, generating over $500 million in annual sales, offering a wide range of products.
Nielsen said: “I am really excited to join Nanopower because I can see the combination of a unique product and a talented team all pulling in the same direction.”
The appointment signifies Nanopower’s ambition to expand globally as it commences production of its nPZero power-saving integrated circuit. Nanopower is set to start supplying samples of nPZero to customers this quarter and is accepting orders for its nPZero evaluation board.
Founder and departing chairman, Odd Harald Hauge, is satisfied with being succeeded by Nielsen: “Svein-Egil Nielsen brings exactly the right competence and a clear sense of mission about the difference that Nanopower can make to the world.” Odd Harald Hauge will continue on the board of Nanopower.
Svein-Egil Nielsen’s appointment as non-executive chair of the board is effective immediately.
About Nanopower
Nanopower Semiconductor AS, founded in 2017, is a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Kristiansand, Norway, with additional operations in Porto, Portugal. The company specializes in ultra-low-power integrated circuits (ICs) designed to significantly reduce energy consumption in battery-powered devices. Their proprietary nPZero technology enables devices to operate in the nanoampere range during periods without wireless communication, thereby extending battery life. Nanopower serves industries such as the Internet of Things (IoT), industrial automation, and sensor networks, focusing on sustainable and scalable electronic solutions. Nanopower secured a grant of approximately $2.68 million in June 2023 to further its development efforts.
From the company that owns South Korea’s dashcam market, Vueroids S1 dashcam. Image: Vueroid.
You may not think you don’t need a dashcam. Until the moment you need one desperately. Until a car cuts you off, slams on the brakes and you slam into it. Good luck convincing your insurance company, or anyone else for that matter, that it was not your fault.
Luck was definitely on the side of Ashpia Natasha, a Queens resident, who was driving alone on a New York’s Belt Parkway on October 16, 2024 at approximately 11:11 am. Luckily, her car was equipped with an after-market dashcam. When a grey Honda swerved into her lane ahead of her and suddenly slammed on its brakes, the dashcam was recording. But just as Natasha was thanking her lucky stars that she was able to brake in time to avoid running into the Honda, it got worse. The driver of the Honda puts the car in reverse and rams into the front of Natasha’s vehicle. The four occupants stream out of the Honda, doing their best to appear hurt while also recording the damage to the vehicles.
The plot thickens. Off camera, Natasha talks to a man who has come out of the front passenger door because “the driver did not speak English.” However, WABC news, analyzed the video to show the rear seat passengers attempting to hide the driver exchanging seats with the passenger, then emerging from the passenger side to claim injury.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau cited in WABC report says criminals prey on women driving alone.
Natasha uploaded her dashcam recording to TikTok where it went viral. By the time of this writing, it has been viewed 79 million times. The story has been covered by People magazine and picked up by local news stations. TikTokkers took it upon themselves to locate the Honda and reported it to the police.
The story is almost over. The driver of the Honda was picked up by police and was charged with staging a motor vehicle accident, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, conspiracy and insurance fraud. He pleaded not guilty and returned on January 7 this year. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison.
Natasha may well be the poster child of the dashcam industry, no doubt giving nascent US dashcam sales a boost. But insurance fraud is real, because rear-ended, even if you do it yourself, is almost a surefire payoff.
Vueroid kit. For best results, Vueroid suggests that the vehicle’s electrical system power its dashcam. Image: Vueroid.
Why Don’t I Have Dashcams Already?
Teslas have outward-facing cameras that could function as dashcams, but among passenger vehicles, they are an exception. Also, Tesla is more intent on keeping the video for their purposes and disinclined to share it with drivers, making their cameras essentially useless in protection against insurance fraud. It seems as if consumers will have to resort to after-market dashcams that store video continuously on a SD card, which you can play back when needed.
While most cars in the U.S. don’ t have aftermarket dashcams, most vehicles in Russia and Korea do. Why the difference, we ask at the Vueroid booth?
It’s all about insurance, we are told. In the US, most drivers are protected against uninsured drivers. If the driver at fault has no insurance, the victim is reimbursed by their own insurance. In the U.S., insurance companies are less likely to squabble over who’s at fault. In other countries, it’s a different situation. And a dashcam may be the only way to clearly establish wrongdoing.
Vuroid, one of the major dashcam manufacturers in South Korea, where dashcams are installed in 80% of all vehicles. Yet, most Koreans would know Vueroid by name since the company has let other companies put their label on the dashcams. At CES 2025, we see the S1 infinity, the first Vueroid-branded dashcam to be sold.
Want one? You’ll have to wait. It is expected to be on sale in U.S. later this year.
Vueroid enhances the image for license plate detection. Image: Vueroid
Vueroid has used this time to possibly come up with the best dashcam ever. The S1 infinity has 4K resolution and a 150-degree field of view. Using AI and ISP (image signal processing) tuning technology to enhance the clarity and visibility of letters and numbers, the Vueroid Hub app is able to make out license plates, which with normal dashcams can be too grainy and unreadable.
The S1 is available in 1, 2 or 3 camera configurations, depending on whether you want to add rear and interior cameras.
The S1 has a parking mode with which it uses motion detection to record moving objects around the vehicle. It is equipped with temperature sensors that turn on cooling if it’s too hot and can also sense when the car battery is low and turn itself off so it doesn’t drain the battery.
LOWELL, MA, Feb 5, 2025 – MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) has announced that its France-based European semiconductor center (MESC), has been awarded a multi-year contract from Banque Publique d’Investissement (BPI) to lead the development and manufacturing of advanced semiconductor products, in collaboration with public and private sector partners. The ‘MAGENTA’ program’s goal is to develop next-gen Ka-band monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) front-end products, leveraging MESC’s existing gallium nitride (GaN) technology. A key program focus will be the development of amplifiers with power-added efficiency, an innovation that is intended to push the boundaries of high-frequency communications system performance. The products and capabilities developed under the program are intended to support telecommunication systems in the 5G-FR2 bands and low earth orbit (LEO) communication systems.
“We believe that this noteworthy award will make MESC a stronger partner and supplier to the European telecommunications and space markets,” said Stephen G. Daly, president and chief executive officer, MACOM. “The MAGENTA team will collaborate and explore new MMIC design and manufacturing techniques to improve performance of critical global communication systems. We are pleased to have French government support as we build a stronger business in France to support the European market.”
The MAGENTA program is financed by the French government within the framework of France 2030 and will be administered by BPI, the French agency for innovation and a financial institution. Under the terms of the contract, MESC will lead manufacturing of the MMICs developed by MAGENTA partners.
About MACOM
MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc., founded in 1950 and headquartered in Lowell, MA, designs and manufactures semiconductor products for the telecommunications, industrial, defense, and data center industries. Their product portfolio includes analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits, multi-chip modules, diodes, amplifiers, switches, and subsystems. MACOM has achieved certification to the IATF16949 automotive standard, the ISO9001 international quality standard and the ISO14001 environmental management standard. Serving over 6,000 customers annually, MACOM’s semiconductors are used in applications such as wireless and wired networks, satellite communications, radar systems, and data centers. In fiscal year 2024, the company reported revenues of approximately $729.6 million and employed around 1,700 individuals worldwide.
About France 2030
France 2030 is a strategic investment plan by the French government, allocating €54 billion to drive innovation and bolster the nation’s economic competitiveness. The initiative focuses on accelerating the ecological switch, expanding industrial sectors, and fostering technological improvements. Key objectives include developing small, innovative nuclear reactors, promoting green hydrogen, decarbonizing industries, and supporting sustainable agriculture and transportation. The plan also emphasizes investments in health, digital technology, and space exploration. By targeting these areas, France 2030 aims to position the country as a leader in sustainable development and cutting-edge industries by the end of the decade.
THOUSAND OAKS, CA, Feb 5, 2025 – Teledyne Technologies Inc. announced the successful completion of the acquisition of select aerospace and defense electronics businesses from Excelitas Technologies Corp. for approximately $710 million. The acquisition includes the optical systems business known under the Qioptiq brand based in Northern Wales, UK, as well as the U.S.-based advanced electronic systems business.
The UK-based optical systems business provides advanced optics for heads-up and helmet-mounted displays, dismounted tactical night vision systems and proprietary glass used in space and satellite applications. In the U.S., the advanced electronics business provides custom energetics, including electronic safe and arm devices, high-voltage semiconductor switches and rubidium frequency standards for defense and space applications. The acquired business will be included in Teledyne’s aerospace and defense electronics segment and operate under the name Teledyne Qioptiq.
“We are pleased to have expeditiously closed this acquisition, which represents our tenth corporate carve-out transaction,” said Robert Mehrabian, executive chairman. “Teledyne Qioptiq adds new technology and highly complementary products and customers, and we are delighted to welcome this business and its employees to Teledyne.”
“The combination of Teledyne Qioptiq’s technologies and our existing broad portfolio of defense products will give us additional opportunities to deliver solutions to our customers,” said George Bobb, president and chief operating officer. Doug Benner, EVP and GM, Teledyne Qioptiq added, “We are excited about the future and look forward to a seamless integration that will benefit our employees and customers.”
About Teledyne
Teledyne Technologies Inc., founded in 1960 and headquartered in Thousand Oaks, CA, is a diversified industrial conglomerate specializing in advanced technology and high-reliability solutions. The company operates in four primary segments: digital imaging, instrumentation, engineered systems, and aerospace and defense electronics. Teledyne serves in domains including aerospace and defense, factory automation, environmental monitoring, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration, medical imaging, and pharmaceutical research. In 2023, Teledyne reported revenues of approximately $5.5 billion and employed around 14,900 individuals worldwide.
MEYLAN, France and MONTREAL, Canada, Feb 4, 2025 – Dolphin Semiconductor is announcing today the appointment of Robert LeFort as chairman of the board and Shelly Van Dyke as an independent board member. These appointments aim to strengthen the company’s governance and drive its growth strategy.
Image: Business Wire
The addition of Robert LeFort and Shelly Van Dyke to its Board of Directors highlights the commitment to advancing its global growth strategy, fostering innovation, and strengthening its leadership in the semiconductor industry.
Robert LeFort, former president of Infineon Technologies North America, assumes the role of chairman of the board. Dolphin Semiconductor strategy development and governance will benefit from his profound understanding of the semiconductor industry and its key actors, as well as his Board experience. Robert said, “I look forward to be a part of the transformation of Dolphin Semiconductor, strengthening its position as a world class provider of semiconductor IP partnering with the most influential technology leaders in the world.”
Shelly Van Dyke, vice president of strategy, analog & automotive embedded systems at NXP Semiconductors, joins the board as an independent member. With her broad experience in strategic planning and M&A within the semiconductor sector, she brings a wealth of knowledge that will support Dolphin Semiconductor’s ambition to scale up. “I am excited to work with the Dolphin Semiconductor team in their next chapter of growth, building on their impressive track record of energy efficient and innovative IP designs,” says Shelly.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robert LeFort and Shelly Van Dyke to our board of directors,” said Laurent Monge, CEO of Dolphin Semiconductor. “Their extensive experience and proven expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Dolphin Semiconductor. Their contributions will help us achieve our ambitious goals and continue to innovate in the semiconductor industry.”
These appointments underscore Dolphin Semiconductor’s dedication to accelerating its journey in delivering cutting-edge, energy-efficient semiconductor IP solutions in all regions.
Following these appointments, the Dolphin Semiconductor Board of Directors is composed of:
Robert LeFort, chairman of the board
Pierre Garnier, managing partner, Jolt Capital
Maxime Mallet, general partner, Jolt Capital
Clement Bourgogne, investment director, Canada, Jolt Capital
Claude Jean, independent board member
Shelly Van Dyke, independent board member
About Robert LeFort
Robert (Bob) LeFort retired from Infineon Technologies in July 2023, where he was president of Infineon Technologies Americas Corp. Bob led Infineon Americas starting in January 2015 after the acquisition of International Rectifier. Bob also led the integration of Cypress Semiconductor closed in April 2020. Bob was previously the corporate vice president of strategy and M&A based in Munich after rejoining the company in 2013. Before his return to Infineon, Bob was the CEO of Ember Corp., which Silicon Labs acquired in 2012. Bob has served on nonprofit boards and advisory committees. He is also currently on the Board of Directors for Boreas Technologies. Robert LeFort holds an MBA with High Honors from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.
About Shelly Van Dyke
Shelly Van Dyke is vice president of strategy, analog & automotive embedded systems at NXP Semiconductors. She has over 38 years of experience in engineering, strategy and strategic finance for the semiconductor industry and the technology supply chain. Career highlights include the start-up of the NXP Oak Hill fab, Freescale’s initial public offerings, serving on the Board of the world semiconductor trade statistics industry association, the NXP-Freescale merger integration, and NXP’s pending acquisition of TTTech Auto. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Regis University.
About Dolphin Semiconductor
Dolphin Semiconductor, established in 1985 and headquartered in Meylan, France, specializes in designing and developing analog and mixed-signal semiconductor IP solutions. The company offers a range of products, including power management IP, audio IP, and power metering IP, designed for applications in mobile devices, consumer electronics, automotive systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). With a focus on energy efficiency, Dolphin Semiconductor enables longer battery life and reduced power consumption in electronic devices. As of 2023, the company employs approximately 125 professionals.
NEW YORK and SANTA CLARA, CA, Feb 3, 2025 – Gauzy Ltd. has announced that its partnership with edge AI semiconductor company, Ambarella, Inc. , has led to innovations in the AI-ification of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and their potential to enhance road safety and redefine urban mobility. Incorporating a CVflow AI system-on-chip (SoC) from Ambarella’s portfolio into the design of Gauzy’s AI-powered Smart-Vision camera monitor system (CMS) enhances road safety for drivers of commercial vehicles. The Gauzy solution, based on Ambarella’s CV2FS AI SoC, is already operational in Ford Trucks.
CMS replaces conventional side and rearview mirrors with high-resolution cameras fitted on the vehicle. Often called e-mirrors, these systems stream live video footage on interior screens. They provide a wider field of view, reduce blind spots, and enhance road safety and visibility.
AI-powered Smart-Vision CMS, based on Ambarella’s CVflow AI accelerator, features self-learning and predictive capabilities. These include adaptive maneuver lines that are displayed while a vehicle is in motion and during trailer calibration to provide drivers with better visibility of their surroundings, as well as the ability to analyze large amounts of data and imagery for reduced latency and real-time visibility. Moreover, Smart-Vision system is designed to spot potential road hazards early, helping to significantly lower the risk of accidents or fatalities. The system delivers rich visibility with quality images, across a wide variety of weather or lighting conditions. The Smart-Vision CMS’s monitoring feature helps prevent theft and vandalism, works with different truck models and configurations, and integrates easily into existing fleets.
“It’s highly rewarding for us to be working so closely with Ambarella, a global leader in edge AI vision processing, to advance the functionality and quality of Smart-Vision,” stated Eyal Peso, CEO of Gauzy. “World-renowned brands like Ambarella trust Gauzy to utilize their proprietary technology to their full potential, and partner with us because of the success our products can have on saving lives and reducing costs. We recognized early on the monumental impact AI will have in redefining mobility and are proud to have already developed what we believe is the most sophisticated AI-powered ADAS solution on the market. We believe that enhancing our Smart-Vision® system with Ambarella’s CVflow AI SoCs, which provide industry-leading AI performance per watt, provides OEMs with an innovative solution as part of their ongoing efforts to improve the safety of their fleets.”
The advanced smart-vision system is more popular with OEMs due to its cost, safety, and environmental advantages over traditional mirrors. As a result, OEMs are upgrading existing fleets with ADAS technology like Smart-Vision and integrating it into the designs of new models an escalating pace.That is a reason why the commercial-vehicle ADAS market is expected to reach more than $43 billion by 2030, according to Research and Markets. Replacing standard mirrors on trucks and buses with smart-vision improves safety by reducing errors, improved night vision, fewer blind spots, and enhancing obstacle and pedestrian detection. Additionally, the system offers better fuel efficiency, lower upkeep costs, and higher productivity.
Peso added, “Despite the tremendous advancements we have already made in ADAS, we are still at the beginning of the AI-ification of vision control. We will continue to innovate and improve the quality of our products, to retain our competitive edge and produce for our shareholders. We are energized by the strong demand for our Smart-Vision® CMS and believe that we are well-positioned to capitalize on the renewed emphasis on safety in urban and intercity transport.”
One key feature of Gauzy’s smart-vision system using Ambarella’s CVflow AI SoCs is its advanced image processing ability. This reduces latency and supports tasks like detecting vulnerable road users (VRUs), classifying objects, recording data, and streaming video. The architecture also lets Gauzy’s development team adjust settings to achieve better image quality with accurate color and contrast, essential for reducing driver fatigue.
“Our partnership with Gauzy demonstrates the power of what’s possible when two forward-thinking organizations with similar values work together to tackle industry challenges,” commented Fermi Wang, president and CEO of Ambarella. “We were motivated to help Gauzy and its OEM customers address the millions of road traffic fatalities that are estimated to occur each year, and we believe the Smart-Vision® CMS, with our CVflow AI SoCs, has the potential to drive this number lower. There is universal support for making our roadways safer, and we are pleased to help play a role in this effort through the application of our technology.”
The smart-vision CMS has passed homologations and certifications for safety, including United Nation (UN) R46, UN R10, UN R118 and UN R151, as well as cybersecurity Automotive Spice standards set by OEMs, including UN R155 and UN R156.
About Gauzy
Gauzy Ltd., established in 2009 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a leader in vision and light control solutions. The company specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing technologies such as suspended particle devices (SPD) and liquid crystal (LC) films for smart glass applications, as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and camera monitoring systems (CMS). Gauzy serves various industries, including automotive, aeronautics, architecture, and safety technology. As of 2024, the company employs approximately 640 people. In the trailing twelve months ending June 30, 2024, Gauzy reported revenues of approximately $90 million. With a global presence, including production facilities in Israel, Germany, Canada, China, Singapore, France, United Arab Emirates and the United States, and sales and marketing centers in multiple countries, Gauzy continues to innovate in light and vision control technologies, transforming user experiences across various sectors.
About Ambarella
Ambarella, Inc., founded in 2004 and headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, is a fabless semiconductor design company specializing in low-power, high-definition (HD) and Ultra HD video compression, image processing, and computer vision processors. The company’s system-on-chips (SoCs) are utilized in various applications, including video security, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electronic mirrors, drive recorders, driver and in-cabin monitoring, autonomous driving, and robotics. Ambarella serves industries such as automotive, security, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. As of 2024, the company employs approximately 915 individuals. In the fiscal year ending January 31, 2024, Ambarella reported revenues of $226.5 million.
SANTA CLARA, CA and KYOTO, Japan, Feb 3, 2025 – ROHM Semiconductor has announced that they have started offering samples of the industry’s smallest terahertz (THz) wave oscillation and detection devices utilizing semiconductor elements known as Resonant Tunneling Diodes (RTDs). Terahertz waves are anticipated to be applied to non-destructive testing, imaging, and sensing in the medical and healthcare sectors, as well as potentially future ultra-fast communication technologies. Providing these devices contributes to the advancement of THz wave applications.
ROHM has developed a 0.5mm × 0.5mm RTD chip for terahertz wave generation and detection, capable of oscillating and detecting terahertz waves at a frequency of 320GHz (typ.) with an output power ranging from 10 to 20µW. ROHM will begin offering samples of this RTD element mounted in a PLCC package (4.0mm × 4.3mm) commonly used for LEDs. With a compact size of one-thousandth that of conventional oscillators, the innovation enables development of terahertz wave applications, including in space-constrained environments.
By positioning the antenna surfaces of the oscillation and detection devices facing each other 10mm apart, a dynamic range of 40dB (typ.) can be achieved. Both oscillator and detector maintain a drive power consumption of 10mW (typ.), while their ability to oscillate and detect terahertz waves at room temperature eliminates the need for cooling equipment required with some conventional methods. These power-saving devices are unaffected by the operating environment, enabling use in a wide range of applications.
ROHM offers samples of terahertz wave oscillation and detection devices at a sample price of $990.0/unit (excluding tax), which is less than one-tenth the price of conventional devices. ROHM also provides evaluation kits that include an evaluation board and other components, allowing users to easily integrate the devices into a research and development environment.
Ken Nakahara, general manager of center, ROHM R&D Center, ROHM Co., Ltd. said, “The terahertz (THz) R&D team and I are very excited and proud to have reached the point where we can bring this technology to market. We have dedicated ourselves to THz devices for about 15 years; the journey has not been easy. We gathered the forces of industry, academia, and government along the way, and have successfully established the position that ROHM holds today. The team understands that this announcement is just a small step toward the commercialization of THz technology, but at the same time, it is a giant leap for us. We believe that this small beginning will grow big and contribute to the well-being of our society.”
About ROHM
ROHM Co., Ltd., established in 1958, is a Japanese electronics manufacturer headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. The company specializes in designing and producing a wide range of electronic components, including integrated circuits (ICs), semiconductors, and optoelectronics. ROHM serves various industries such as automotive, industrial equipment, consumer electronics, and telecommunications. Their product portfolio encompasses monolithic ICs, power modules, transistors, diodes, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and capacitors. As of 2017, ROHM reported annual revenues of approximately ¥352 billion. With a global presence, the company operates in regions including Asia, the Americas, and Europe, supplying high-quality electronic components to clients worldwide.
SANTA ROSA, CA, Jan 29, 2025 – Keysight Technologies and KD, Inc., have collaborated to create a comprehensive test for multigigabit optical automotive Ethernet physical layer. The companies have jointly developed a Transmitter Distortion Figure of Merit (TDFOM) measurement and signal analysis metric validating PMD transmitter conformance based on the IEEE 802.3cz and Open Alliance.
Image Source: KD, Inc.
Modern day vehicles contain over 100 million lines of code, pushing the limits of their hardware capabilities to support an unprecedented combination of infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and computing power. Future vehicle computing systems are shifting toward centralized designs, with software-driven functions and increased data sharing across fewer engine control units (ECUs). Thus, backbone communications links push to ever-higher speeds in the multi-gigabits-per-second range.
In response, the industry has created new automotive Ethernet standards, with IEEE 802.3cz being the highest data rate multi-gigabit standard. Published in 2023, the standard supports operations up to 50 Gb/s over glass optical fiber, specifying physical-layer requirements and management parameters for 2.5-, 5-, 10-, 25-, and 50-Gb/s operations in automotive environments. The standard is designed to meet the demands of modern in-vehicle networking platforms.
The newly developed TDFOM measurement and signal analysis metric represents a significant advancement in evaluating multigigabit optical signal quality in glass optical fiber transmission. As specified in IEEE 802.3cz, TDFOM measurements utilize a reference receiver that models typical integrated circuit (IC) implementation, ensuring transmitter interoperability through signal integrity validation. This metric is essential for calibrating reference transmitters and enabling compliance testing of optical receivers.
Combining KD’s software-based reference receiver and signal metric analysis capabilities with Keysight’s optical-to-electrical converter (O/E) and oscilloscope technology delivers a comprehensive testing platform that evaluates a transmitted optical signal’s ability to achieve the required system Bit Error Rate (BER) after passing through a worst-case optical channel and a reference receiver. This development emerged from both companies’ active participation in establishing the final TDFOM specification during the IEEE 802.3cz standard development.
Rubén Pérez-Aranda, KD’s CTO and co-founder, said, “With this agreement, we make a big step in providing OEMs and Tier-1 companies with the necessary means to test the quality of developments incorporating optical communications according to the IEEE Std 802.3cz. Keysight and KD have collaborated in IEEE 802.3 to define the tests and metrics that ensure the new Ethernet communications standard meets the quality requirements demanded by the automotive industry.”
Thomas Goetzel, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s automotive & energy solution, highlighted the importance of this agreement: “Automotive Ethernet technologies have evolved and now derive significant benefits from optical fiber technologies for enabling multigigabit in-vehicle networking. Our innovative test and measurement equipment, combined with KD’s expertise in optical measurements, aims to assist customers in exploring reliable high-speed links in in-vehicle networking.”
This collaboration combines KD’s skills in developing new technologies with Keysight’s testing tools. It helps OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers test and improve advanced technologies. The partnership supports innovation, improves compatibility, and promotes the use of advanced optical communication standards in the automotive industry.
About Keysight Technologies
Keysight Technologies, established in 2014 as a spin-off from Agilent Technologies, is a leading provider of electronic design and test solutions. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, the company offers a portfolio of hardware and software products, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic design automation (EDA) software. The solutions serve industries, such as telecommunications, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, semiconductor, and general electronics. As of 2024, Keysight employs approximately 15,500 people and reported annual revenue of $5.0 billion. The company’s global presence spans the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, supporting over 30,000 customers in more than 100 countries. Keysight is known for driving innovation, with over 3,800 patents and a focus on research and development.
About KD Inc.
KD, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain. Established in 2010, it specializes in high-speed optical networking solutions, particularly for harsh environments. The company provides semiconductors designed to enable optical communication over fiber optics, offering products for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. Their technology supports multi-gigabit speeds, making it ideal for automotive Ethernet, industrial data networks, and consumer devices such as Wi-Fi access points. KD Inc. has made advancements in optical communication, developing solutions that ensure performance in environments requiring high-speed and reliable data transmission. The company’s innovative solutions are integral to the evolving need for fast and efficient data transfer in various industries. The company plays a crucial role in advancing fiber optic technology for next-gen automotive and industrial applications.
SANTA ROSA, CA, Jan 29, 2025 – Keysight Technologies has announced the Low-Power Double Data Rate 6 (LPDDR6) design and test solution, a complete design and test solution to support the next technology wave for memory systems. The solution improves device and system validation, providing new test automation tools necessary for advancing AI, especially in mobile and edge devices.
Keysight comprehensive LPDDR6 test solution including UXR0334B 33 GHz real-time oscilloscope and high-performance BERT M8040A. Multiple configurations are available to suit customer needs depending on the use case and performance needs. Image: Business Wire
The memory market is evolving due to the rising demand for high-performance computing, AI, and energy-efficient mobile applications. LPDDR6 enhances performance and efficiency to support next-generation compute system requirements, making it a crucial upgrade for contemporary devices.
Test complexity has increased with the use of next-gen memory devices like LPDDR6, HBM4, and GDDR7. These technologies require precise testing methods to ensure they perform reliably. Balancing faster test times with accurate results remains a key challenge.
Keysight’s complete workflow solution consists of transmitter and receiver test applications and the Advanced Design System (ADS) Memory Designer workflow solution. The LPDDR6 test solution can be paired with Keysight EDA software and the Keysight Memory Designer bundle to achieve faster design confidence from simulation to verification and test. The LPDDR6 test automation solution is based on Keysight’s UXR oscilloscope and high-performance M8040A Bit Error Ratio Tester.
LPDDR6 is expected to influence more than just mobile devices. Its mix of high performance and power efficiency makes it suitable for AI and machine learning applications, digital computing, automotive technology, data centers, and other edge applications. These areas demand a careful balance between processing speed and power consumption.
Key Benefits of Keysight’s LPDDR6 Test Solution:
Accelerate Time-to-Market with Advanced Transmitter Testing
Reduce validation time with automated compliance testing and characterization
Capture measurements using industry-leading low-noise technology
Debug design issues with streamlined data analysis tools
Analyze device BER performance with extrapolated eye mask margin testing
Achieve signal measurements directly from BGA packages with de-embedding capabilities
Optimize Device Performance with Comprehensive Receiver Testing
Validate designs using proven Bit Error Ratio testing methodology
Pinpoint performance issues by testing against multiple jitter, crosstalk, and noise scenarios
Maximize signal integrity through BER analysis and receiver equalization optimization
Ensure interoperability with both device and host controller validation
Deliver Next-Generation Memory Solutions
Enable faster user experiences with data rates support
Extend battery life and reduce power consumption in mobile and data center applications
Build more products with enhanced data integrity and system stability features
Dr. Joachim Peerlings, vice president and general manager, network and datacenter solutions, Keysight, said, “As a leader in memory design and test solutions, Keysight continues to collaborate with JEDEC to develop the LPDDR6 standard. This new LPDDR6 standard is set to revolutionize the market, offering unprecedented speed, efficiency, and reliability, enabling the industry’s AI Edge rollout. As the deployment and use of next-generation memory devices are growing, Keysight has achieved a significant milestone in enabling faster time to market for LPDDR6 memory designs.”
About Keysight Technologies
Keysight Technologies, established in 2014 as a spin-off from Agilent Technologies, is a leading provider of electronic design and test solutions. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, the company offers a portfolio of hardware and software products, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic design automation (EDA) software. The solutions serve industries, such as telecommunications, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, semiconductor, and general electronics. As of 2024, Keysight employs approximately 15,500 people and reported annual revenue of $5.0 billion. The company’s global presence spans the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, supporting over 30,000 customers in more than 100 countries. Keysight is known for driving innovation, with over 3,800 patents and a focus on research and development.
