RF CMOS process for wireless sensor interface

Toumaz Technology has signed an agreement to use Infineon's advanced 130nm RF CMOS process to manufacture its Generation 1 and Generation 2 Sensium chips.

Toumaz Technology has signed an agreement to use Infineon's advanced 130nm RF CMOS process to manufacture its Generation 1 and Generation 2 Sensium chips.

Toumaz is the first external customer to be offered the use of this process and is planning to tape out the first prototype chip in mid January.

As part of the agreement Infineon will license certain IP, predominantly digital blocks and cores, to Toumaz for integration into the Sensium devices.

The 130nm RF CMOS process which is currently being run at Infineon's Altis Semiconductor fabrication facility in Essonne, France, is expected to be replicated at another European site.

The Sensium is an ultra-low-power sensor interface and transceiver for applications in the medical and professional healthcare area.

The device achieves ultra low power through the use of patented AMx technology for signal processing and includes a reconfigurable sensor interface and RF transceiver block.

The Advanced Mixed Signal (AMx) approach to system-on-chip integration features subthreshold CMOS analogue signal processing coupled with digital closed-loop control for self-calibration and re-tuning.

Using a proven RF foundry maximises the predictability and accuracy of the subthreshold analogue processing blocks.

Thomas Pollakowski, VP and General Manager of Infineon's Connectivity Business Unit, explained: "Infineon offers over three decades of experience in development, design, and manufacturing of world class communication systems.

With the newly invoked foundry programme we are granting external customers access to our RF-CMOS, bipolar, and SiGe process technology which have been concertedly developed with available application specific IP.

With Toumaz we have found a partner with a very exciting application allowing Infineon to demonstrate its foundry capabilities".

Commenting on the agreement, Keith Errey, CEO of Toumaz Technology, said: "As a fabless semiconductor business, managing the supply side is critical to our success.

Having Infineon as a foundry partner not only provides access to the best available semiconductor manufacturing technology for our applications but also offers a wealth of expertise and back-end support, thus ensuring faster times to market and lower costs for Toumaz".

This is a very strong validation of the Toumaz technology and the strength of our design team.

An early return in advance of actual product sales is good news for our investors and confirms management's view of the attractiveness and value of the low power technology".

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