February 11, 2011 – PRNewswire — STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), semiconductor and MEMS sensor manufacturer, and bTendo Ltd. signed a development and license agreement to jointly develop the world’s smallest pico projector for smart phones and other portable consumer-electronics devices. It will be based on bTendo’s innovative Scanning Laser Projection engine technology and ST’s micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) expertise, video processing know-how and semiconductor process technology.
Less than 2.5cm3 in volume and below 6mm high, the jointly developed embedded projector solution will offer a focus-free, vivid color, sharp and crisp image, superior to current pico projection solutions. Implementing two MEMS-based micro-mirror-actuation devices within the system’s optical engine, and an advanced video-processing chip, the miniature projection engine is optimized for smart phones, offering low power consumption and built-in support for mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) to ensure swift and easy integration.
With today’s advanced smart phones, people carry huge amounts of movie clips and photos in their pockets, yet find it difficult sharing it with others due to the tiny display. Adding projection capabilities into the mobile devices will enable users to easily share their media with others in any place, on any surface, at any time, the companies say.
"People want to share their media with others and enjoy the option of expanding their display even for their own personal viewing," said Benedetto Vigna, Group VP and GM, MEMS, Sensor and High-Performance Analog Division, STMicroelectronics. "ST selected bTendo’s technology due to its small size, low power and focus-free features, which are all critical for embedded projection modules. ST has a long history in the development of innovative technologies and this joint cooperation will further extend our MEMS sensor expertise, while also complementing and reinforcing our leadership in MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers for advanced user interfaces."
"We are very excited to collaborate with STMicroelectronics, the world leader in MEMS technologies for mobile handsets, to bring to market our cutting-edge technology for embedded Pico Projectors," said Dana Gross, CEO of bTendo Ltd. "ST’s best-in-class semiconductor process technology and design capabilities will enable a cost-effective, low-power solution perfect for personal consumer devices."
A demo of the technology will be shown at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Feb 14-17, 2011 on the STMicroelectronics stand (7A106).
STMicroelectronics serves customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
bTendo is a developer of personal projection technologies and solutions. For more information www.btendo.com
Also read: Introduction to MEMS gyroscopes by Jay Esfandyari, Roberto De Nuccio, Gang Xu, STMicroelectronics
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