TowerJazz to Develop Advanced CMOS Image Sensors for Army Portable Systems

The US Army RDECOM CERDEC Night Vision Electronics and Sensors Directorate (NVESD) has entered a contract with TowerJazz for a two phase development of its CMOS low light image sensors.

TowerJazz is introducing advanced CMOS image sensors (CIS) in its Newport Beach facility at California to expand its defense and aerospace on-shore capabilities. The resulting CIS technology will be used in the Department of Defense (DoD) CIS programs for Army portable systems. This location will support the Army NVESD, their suppliers, third parties and all DoD agencies.

The goal of the program is to incorporate high sensitivity and low light features into CMOS imagers for use in broad spectral ranges. The advanced technology provided by TowerJazz allows for higher pixel performance in the CMOS image sensors.

The pixel and process provided by TowerJazz will function as the base for the PMOS Pixel, which will aid in the design of the 4MP NVESD low light BSI sensor and other high performance,low dark current imagers. The company will also assess the types of process flows required to develop SOI-based or backlit CMOS image sensors.