Jan. 28, 2008 – AMI Semiconductor and European R&D consortium IMEC say they have entered into a new two-year program to develop AMIS’ future 14T “Smart Power” platform technology, which will allow the creation of complex systems-on-chip integrating high-voltage and power functions with dense logic, processors and memories, targeting applications in automotive, power regulation, and communications.

Under the deal, which continues a 20-year broader partnership, AMIS will develop critical Smart Power processes in IMEC’s 200mm facilities, and utilize IMEC’s experience with deep submicron process technology (130/90nm). Both groups will pool workers from their respective sites in Belgium (IMEC in Leuven, and AMIS’ Smart Power team in Oudenaarde).

“This collaborative agreement will allow us to develop our next generation I4T Smart Power Technology platform while protecting our differentiating and critical IP,” said AMIS CEO Christine King, in a statement.

IMEC CEO Gilbert Declerck added that the project “fits IMEC’s CMORE program, targeted at R&D for new fabrication processes and device technologies focusing on performance and new functions, rather than further scaling of transistors.” Other work falling under IMEC’s “CMORE” program include SiGe-based integrated MEMS processes and devices, thin-film technology for integrated passive components, and submicron SOI-based photonic devices.