e2v announces a new high performance, global shutter, custom CMOS imaging solution, that sets new standards in custom imaging

e2v, the leading designer, developer and manufacturer of high-technology components and subsystems, today announced the availability of a new generation of custom high-sensitivity  Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) imaging sensors.

e2v has developed a new, high Quantum Efficiency (>80%), CMOS sensor technology available with a new, low-noise, full-frame global shuttering scheme. This technology is particularly suited to performance-driven markets such as surveillance, homeland security, Automotive Driver Active Safety (ADAS) applications and industrial machine vision including barcode reading. The new sensors offer the ability to detect small, fast moving objects, or subtle contrast differences in everyday wide-dynamic scenes, which rely on the algorithm being supplied with high-quality image sensor data.

e2v’s custom CMOS imaging product range also covers more specialist niche market sectors like professional digital SLR and broadcast/cinematography cameras, and deep UV inspection systems for the semiconductor industry: where low-noise, high-speed, and low power attributes are required. Further improvements in signal to noise ratio in the global shutter architecture are planned for future standard products built on the high sensitivity platform.

e2v is enabling major players in diverse industrial markets to set new industry standards through the provision of custom image sensors, with embedded processing, built on proven library components that enable high-performance, cost-effective, application-specific imaging solutions.

e2v focusses its development programmes on satisfying demand for uncompromised performance, combined with application specific features that are often unique to developing markets. e2v also guarantees long-term product supply (typically in excess of 5-10 years), with technical support over their entire product lifetime.
 
e2v’s core CMOS and CCD imaging technology know-how and innovations form the “e2v Imaging Toolbox”, empowering designers with knowledge and tools to assist in the design of new imaging systems.

“The Toolbox provides our customers with a formidable competitive edge for their next generation imaging products, delivering best–in-class performance, flexibility, economy and rapid turnaround times.” Said Philippe Rommeveaux, e2v’s Medical Industrial & Emerging Imaging Business Unit General Manager. Adding:  “Our customers in these industrial markets need leverage to grow their share of a very dynamic market, and are amazed at the cost-effective aspect of developing their own unique device compared with the ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions that they are replacing”.

 
Press contact:
Sylvie Mattei, Communications Manager
Phone: +33 4 76 58 30 25, mailto:sylvie.mattei@e2v.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

About e2v technologies plc

e2v technologies is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised components and subsystems, falling within two product groups:

•  Electronic tubes
• Sensors and Semiconductors

 These products enable some of the world’s leading OEMs to deliver innovative systems for medical and science, aerospace and defence, and commercial and industrial applications.
For the year ended 31 March 2008, e2v achieved sales of £205m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (e2v.l).  In July 2006 e2v technologies plc acquired a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of specialised electronic components and sub-systems, based in Grenoble, France and in May of 2007 e2v plc acquired MiCS Microchemical Systems SA a designer and manufacturer of semiconductor based gas sensors.  These acquisitions strengthen the Group’s position as a major global provider of specialised electronic components and subsystems.
e2v’s products are supplied into three core market areas:

•    Medical & Science: Sensor technology includes imaging sensors for intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray, mammography, life science applications and X-ray microscopy. Electronic tubes are the enabling technology behind radiotherapy cancer treatments, microwave medical therapy and high-energy physics.
•    Aerospace & Defence: Sensor technology includes products for military surveillance, targeting and guidance, space-based imaging and astronomy, radar, electronic warfare, and broadband data converters and microprocessors for aerospace applications.  Electronic tubes provide the enabling technology behind radars, electronic countermeasures (ECM), electronic warfare and satellite communications.
•    Commercial & Industrial: Sensor technology includes marine radars, industrial safety sensors, automotive radars and alarms, thermal imaging cameras used by fire fighters, CCD and CMOS high resolution line scan cameras for industrial inspection. Electronic tubes provide enabling technology behind TV broadcast, satellite communications, marine radar and food & industrial processing.

 The overall purpose of the business is to grow sustainable shareholder value whilst appropriately meeting the expectations of customers, people, partners, suppliers and the wider community.  e2v’s vision is to create value through bright ideas in technology and materials science. The Company’s mission is to place customers at the heart of the business, providing enabling products of premium quality that extend technical barriers and enhance the competitive position of our partners.
e2v has approximately 1,800 employees worldwide with three UK based manufacturing sites in Chelmsford, Lincoln and High Wycombe, one in Grenoble, France and one in Corcelles, Switzerland.  In addition e2v has sales offices in the UK, USA, Germany, France and Hong Kong, as well as a network of distributors and representatives covering other key territories.
Further information on e2v technologies plc is available from its website, www.e2v.com