To address the rising demands of imaging systems in mobile, medical, automotive and other technology applications, the Imaging Without Limits Conference (7-8 October) will be introduced at SEMICON Europa 2014 this year to address this surging market. Until recently, the imaging market was based primarily on mobile phone based applications. However, new technologies for imaging-based applications are now being introduced including wearable electronics (e.g. smart watches), automotive, tablets, machine vision, security and surveillance, and medical applications. SEMICON Europa 2014, the regions largest event for the microelectronics manufacturing and innovation supply chain, will be held 7-9 October 2014 in Grenoble.
Covering a broad range of imaging systems, the two-day “Imaging Without Limits” conference at SEMICON Europa 2014 will explore the promise of imaging-related systems, existing applications and new applications and technologies now on the horizon. Keynote speakers include Eric Fossum, Dartmouth University and the father of CIS, and Pascal Brosset, chief innovation officer of Schneider Electric. The first day will address applications (mobile, automotive, industrial, medical) and technologies (sensors, optics, processing and packaging) while the second day will delve into specific implementation techniques.
According to Yole Developpement, the CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) market is expected to grow at a 10 percent CAGR in revenue in the five-year period from 2013 to 2018, growing from US$ 7.8 billion in 2013 to $12.8 billion in 2018. While many applications drive the integration of CMOS image sensors, mobile phones accounted for approximately 66 percent of total shipments in 2013. But other new applications including tablets and automotive are set to drive the future growth of this industry. Tablets also significantly contribute to the market growth with a 17 percent CAGR over 2013-2018.
The next wave of imaging will likely focus on automotive applications because additional image sensors are necessary for many of the safety improvements required by new government regulations. CAGR for CIS automotive applications is expected to increase 36 percent between 2013 and 2018. Yole states that the market is expected to reach about $700 million in 2018, and will drive the need for high-performance sensors: global shutter, high dynamic range, and high sensitivity. The requirements of the automotive market are hence completely different from the mobile phone market, which is still in the race for higher resolution and smaller pixels.
In addition, Yole also sees several other applications with a high CAGR, including wearable devices (103 percent), machine vision (33 percent), and camera pills (32 percent).
Key companies involved in the imaging conference and exposition include: ARM, Asia Optical-EtherO, Audi, European Space Agency, French Institute of Vision, Hamamatsu, Heptagon, Microsoft, Schneider, Sofradir and STM. Many research centers are also involved CEA-LETI, CSEM, Fondazion Bruno Kezler, Fraunhofer Institut, Grenoble University Hospital, and more. Start-up and SMEs involved in the conference include: Aldebaran, Awaiba, CMOSIS, Caeleste, Mesa, Blue Eye Video, ISD, Kaleido, Multix, NikkoIA , NIT, Pyxalis, Yole, and Wavelens.
Imaging Without Limits is an exceptional opportunity for visitors to learn more about the imaging industry evolution and the business opportunities arising from this growing technology.