In the News - 2011
Acquisition Completed: TowerJazz Nearly Doubles its 2010 Production Capacity with Micron's Fabrication Facility in Nishiwaki, Japan
6/5/11
MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, announced today that it completed its previously announced acquisition of Micron Technology's fabrication facility in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo, Japan. The acquisition nearly doubles TowerJazz's current internal manufacturing capacity, cost-effectively increasing production by 60,000 wafers per month. The added capacity to serve the growing needs of its expanding blue chip customer base, combined with the additional business potential in Japan, is expected to help position TowerJazz to achieve its expressed $1 billion annual revenue run rate target by 2014.
This acquisition provides TowerJazz with operational facilities that span the globe with two fabs in Israel, one fab in the United States, additional capacity available in China through manufacturing partnerships, and the newly acquired fab in Japan. As a result, this acquisition enhances the company's geographic reach and distribution capabilities which TowerJazz believes will create a significant opportunity for revenue enhancement and increased efficiencies in manufacturing.
TowerJazz Announces New Design Center Partnership Incentive Program
5/31/11
TowerJazz announced its "Design Star Awards Program," a new design center partnership incentive program offered to independent design centers. The program will encourage design centers that enroll in this program to refer new customers and new products to TowerJazz. This will increase TowerJazz's IP portfolio, specifically increasing the number of specialty designs taped into TowerJazz, thereby strengthening TowerJazz's position as the leading specialty foundry. In turn, these design partners will receive benefits from TowerJazz on products and services ordered either by such design partners or their customers.
Aligned with TowerJazz's position as a specialty foundry, the independent design centers are encouraged under the incentive program to refer their customers to manufacture products using TowerJazz specialty technologies such as RF/high performance analog, power management, CMOS image sensor, mixed-signal and MEMS as their preferred platform.
TowerJazz Announces Availability of Wireless Antenna Switch SOI Process Technology
5/31/11
SOI technology and IP available to speed market introduction of silicon-based handset antenna switch at 40% the cost of today's GaAs-based solutions
TowerJazz announced availability of its wireless antenna switch SOI process technology applicable to multiple wireless standards. SOI based solutions cost substantially less than legacy solutions based on GaAs pHEMPT or silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) technologies.
The TowerJazz SOI technology is unique relative to other SOI processes in that it maintains full compatibility with its bulk CMOS process enabling integration of control functions, low-noise amplifiers and power amplifiers on a single chip. High-end smart-phones can benefit most from integration while lower-end phones can benefit simply from the lower cost of SOI making the technology relevant for most of the 1.4 billion handset units sold each year.
Singapore's IME and TowerJazz Combine Expertise to Accelerate MEMS Device Industry Development
5/25/11
The Institute of Microelectronics (IME), an institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have announced today their cooperation with TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, on breakthrough projects in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), packaging and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
IME seeks to advance research and development (R&D) in microelectronics in the area of MEMS, packaging and IC design. This joint effort with TowerJazz has yielded outcomes in the areas of inertial sensors, pressure sensors and micromirrors with MEMS product companies. Potential future collaborations include those in the fields of through-silicon via (TSV) and advanced packaging, 3-dimensional integrated chips, photonics and nanoelectronics.
Medical tech company creates world's smallest video camera
Noel McKeegan
5/4/11
Medigus has developed the world's smallest video camera at just 0.039-inches (0.99 mm) in diameter. The Israeli company's second-gen model (a 1.2 mm / 0.047-inch diameter camera was unveiled in 2009) has a dedicated 0.66x0.66 mm CMOS sensor from TowerJazz that captures images at 45K resolution (approximately 220 x 220 pixels) and it's designed for medical endoscopic procedures in hard to reach regions of the human anatomy.
The miniature cameras are made with bio-compatible components and are suitable for diagnostic and surgical procedures. Potential applications include cardiology, bronchoscopy, gastroenterology, gynecology, and orthopedic and robotic surgery. The camera will be integrated into Medigus' own disposable endoscopic devices as well as sold to third-party manufacturers.
"Medical procedures that have not been possible until now become possible with the world's smallest camera," said Dr. Elazar Sonnenschein, CEO for Medigus Ltd.
TowerJazz rolls SiGe process
Mark LaPedus
4/26/11
TowerJazz has announced the availability of its latest silicon germanium (SiGe) foundry process, SBC18H3, its third-generation, 0.18-micron SiGe technology. It provides transistors with 240-GHz Ft and 260-GHz Fmax. The technology is built on the same platform used for the prior two TowerJazz SiGe processes.
The process addresses next-generation needs for high-speed interfaces in communication protocols such as Thunderbolt, optical fiber, and high-data rate wireless by improving performance while reducing noise and power consumption of key building blocks. BC18H3 also targets applications such as automotive collision avoidance systems, millimeter-wave radar and GHz imaging.
SBC18H3 process design Kits (PDKs) include mm-wave components important for high speed designs such as a transmission-line toolbox, p-i-n diodes for RF switching, and support for small size MIM capacitors.
TowerJazz opens China office and appoints Country Manager
4/7/11
TowerJazz (which has two fabrication plants in Migdal Haemek, Israel plus one in the US), has opened an office in Shanghai, China and appointed Lei Qin as China Country Manager to increase business presence and activity in the region. TowerJazz currently serves fabless companies in China providing RF products (e.g. for base-stations, GPS etc). The firm also has access to additional production capacity in China through manufacturing partnerships.
TowerJazz is focused on providing increased business and technical support in China to address the growing demand in the RF market as well as in power management, CMOS image sensors (CIS), MEMS and other applications.
"Lei Qin's extensive industry experience in China will help further our business and relationships in this region," says TowerJazz's VP of sales Dani Ashkenazi. "This newly created role evidences the importance of the China market and demonstrates TowerJazz's commitment to further grow its customer base in China," he adds.
Tower offers $140 million for Micron fab
Peter Clarke
4/4/11
TowerJazz announced it is proposing to buy a wafer fab belonging to Micron Technology Inc. in Nishiwaki, Japan for $140 million. The purchase would nearly double TowerJazz's internal manufacturing capacity increasing it by about 60,000 wafers per month. The move is part of the foundry's plans to get its annual revenue up to $1 billion by 2014. As part of the acquisition deal, TowerJazz would manufacture and supply products for Micron in the Japan facility for the next three years. TowerJazz said it would also qualify power management process technologies and then build RF capability at the fab.
"Russell and his team have demonstrated an ability to grow the company and achieve positive financial results for shareholders. We look forward to being both a shareholder and working with them in this endeavor and beyond," said Steve Appleton, Micron Chairman and CEO.
TowerJazz Aerospace and Defense Division Expands MPW Services
Phil Leggiere
3/23/11
TowerJazz has announced its Aerospace and Defense Business Unit has expanded its multi-project wafer (MPW) services to include CMOS image sensors (CIS) in addition to high-speed SiGe and SOI RF CMOS. These offerings will be available for on-shore or ITAR controlled prototype and manufacturing services of advanced semiconductors for the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the broader aerospace and defense community.
TowerJazz's CIS process has already been running in high volume in its Israeli plants, and is now being added to the MPW program in its Newport Beach, Calif. facility for customers that require on-shore manufacturing.
TowerJazz Announces Presentation at ISE 2011 on Foundry Advancements in CMOS Image Sensor Market
3/17/11
Implements New Development Programs for Advanced Technology Offerings, Ramps Several Products to Volume Production
TowerJazz will exhibit and present a talk, "Foundry Perspective on Trends and Developments in CMOS Image Sensor Markets," at ISE (Image Sensors Europe) on March 23-24, 2011 in London. TowerJazz has strengthened its presence in the CMOS image sensor market with many new products that have ramped to volume production as well as technological advancements, including a new offering for a very low dark current technology, especially at elevated temperatures.
In addition, TowerJazz has initiated several development programs to offer customers enhanced technologies for innovative products in multiple industries such as professional high-end video and still photography, medical X-ray for dental and radiography, industrial sensors and machine vision.
Voice of the Customer Featured Article
CMP Addresses Growing Customer Demand with TowerJazz
Anuradha Shuklar
3/16/11
TowerJazz's advanced 0.18 micron power management and CMOS image sensor (CIS) technology and sophisticated process design kits (PDKs) are now available for prototyping to companies, universities and research labs through the services provided by CMP. Both companies will exhibit process technologies at the 2011 Design Automation and Test in Europe (DATE) conference in Grenoble, France, March 14-18.
TowerJazz Demonstrates Advanced Design Enablement Offerings at DATE 2011
3/1/11
Focused on power management and RF/high performance analog technologies
TowerJazz will demonstrate its advanced design enablement offerings focused on its power management and RF/HPA (high performance analog) process technologies at the 2011 Design Automation and Test in Europe (DATE) conference. TowerJazz has qualified design flows for its analog/mixed-signal 180nm power management process with several electronic design automation (EDA) vendors including: Agilent Technologies, Cadence Design Systems, Synopsys, Magma Design Automation, Mentor Graphics, and Tanner EDA. TowerJazz will be providing demonstrations with all of these vendors at DATE on March 15-17, 2011 in Grenoble, France.
US Army RDECOM CERDEC NVESD and TowerJazz Sign Contract to Develop High Performance CMOS Low Light Imaging Solutions for Army Portable Systems
3/7/11
TowerJazz announced it has signed contracts for two phases of development with the US Army RDECOM CERDEC Night Vision Electronics and Sensors Directorate (NVESD) for CMOS low light image sensor development for Army portable systems. As part of this effort, TowerJazz is expanding its aerospace and defense on-shore capability by introducing world class CMOS image sensor (CIS) foundry processes and solutions in its Newport Beach, CA facility.
This project will result in advanced CIS technology at TowerJazz's on-shore facility and provide the US Army with a solution for its demanding technology needs and provide state-of-the-art CIS technology for Department of Defense (DoD) CIS programs.
TowerJazz Announces Availability of 0.18um Power Management EPI Platform Design Kit
Meets strong noise isolation required by today's leading power management ICs
3/3/11
TowerJazz announced the release of its 0.18um power management EPI Platform Design Kit at the 2011 Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC). The kit is an extension of its successful TS18PM platform which includes the industry's only scalable Rdson versus breakdown voltage LDMOS which enables 10-40% smaller die sizes and faster design cycle times. It also adds up to 40V EPI/NBL isolated devices providing even greater design flexibility and IP reuse.
The TowerJazz TS18PM EPI design kit meets the strong noise isolation required by today's leading power products and addresses 80% of the multi-billion dollar power management IC market. The TS18PM platform targets applications such as leading-edge Buck and Boost/Buck convertors, motor controllers, Class-D amplifiers and PMICs. According to semiconductor industry analyst firm, iSuppli, power management ICs are forecasted to be $25 billion in 2014.
TowerJazz Named Best Foundry Supplier Third Year in a row by Skyworks
Recognized for excellent quality, performance and solid alignment with Skyworks' supply chain requirements
2/17/11
TowerJazz has received the 2010 Foundry Supplier of the Year Award from Skyworks Solutions for the third consecutive year in recognition of TowerJazz's excellent quality, performance and solid alignment with Skyworks' supply chain requirements.
"We congratulate TowerJazz on winning our Foundry Supplier of the Year Award for the third year in a row," said Bruce J. Freyman, senior vice president of worldwide operations at Skyworks. "This accomplishment demonstrates TowerJazz's proven track record in delivering high quality technology and design enablement services year after year."
TowerJazz posts Q4 profit
Mark LaPedus
2/14/11
Israel's TowerJazz said fourth quarter 2010 revenue was a record $135.1 million, compared with $134.7 million in revenues for third quarter 2010 and a 34 percent growth over fourth quarter 2009 revenue of $100.6 million.
2010 revenues were a record $509.3 million, an increase of 70 percent over revenues of $298.8 million as reported for 2009.
Look for TowerJazz to show Strength
Zacks Equity Research, Ken Nagy, CFA
2/10/11
Earnings Preview/ Foundry Position/ 2011 Outlook
TowerJazz will continue to make good on its promises of $500 million revenue run rate and 70% year over year growth. For good measure the firm got to GAAP net profit one quarter (last quarter) earlier than the firm originally promised (the first in 10 years). The firm has been building capacity due to accelerated design-win momentum. We expect another strong quarter in the fourth quarter, similar to quarter three and expect the GAAP net profit to be a regular occurrence.
We feel TowerJazz should outpace its foundry competitors as well as the overall semiconductor industry in 2011. Specialty foundry enjoys higher margins and is less susceptible to industry downturns. In addition, the firm is out in front on several industry leading technologies such as HPA, Power, and optical. The Tower and Jazz merger was completed at a time when the rest of the industry was struggling to survive. The balance sheet improvements are a source of strength which likely sets up the firm for further growth activity in the future. The firm ranks number one in specialty foundry.
Tanner EDA and TowerJazz Qualified PDK and Reference Flow for 0.18um Power Management Process
1/19/11
Tanner EDA and TowerJazz have completed qualification of Tanner EDA's process design kit (PDK) for TowerJazz's 0.18um Power Management process. This design kit includes symbol libraries for Tanner EDA's S-Edit schematic capture software as well as parameterized layout generators for its widely installed layout editor, L-Edit.
To compliment this PDK, the companies have released TowerJazz's Power Management AMS Reference Flow, which includes a comprehensive design flow and a Band Gap Reference design that together provide mutual customers with a productive and open custom design solution.
TowerJazz and Agilent Expand SiGe Design Kit Offering
1/12/11
TowerJazz announced the availability of additional SiGe process design kits (PDK) for its 0.18 ?m SiGe process platform. The design kits target high-frequency products for optical networks, automotive radar and 60 GHz WiFi, as well as high-power front-end modules for wireless handsets. The PDKs were developed for use with Agilent's Advanced Design System (ADS) software. Both TowerJazz and Agilent will be showcasing the new PDKs at Radio Wireless Week, AZ.
The ADS PDKs are intended for high-speed SiGe technology with cutoff frequency as high as 200 GHz and a power amplifier design library (PADL) with characterized power cells for use in wireless front-end-module applications for cell phone and WiFi devices. The objective is to help customers get new products to market faster by providing an accurate and productive work environment for SiGe Monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) and power amplifier (PA) design solutions.
e2v responds to customer demand by increasing production of Dental X-ray Sensors with advanced CIS technology from TowerJazz
1/11/11
e2v and TowerJazz announced that e2v has significantly increased the rate of production of its dental x-ray sensors incorporating TowerJazz's advanced 0.18-micron CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) technology. The design expertise of e2v, combined with the high performance manufacturing capabilities of TowerJazz, has resulted in a new generation of System-on-Chip (SoC) dental sensors benefiting from high image quality and advanced levels of integration and embedded capabilities. Dental intra-oral X-ray sensors replace the X-ray film that dentists use, providing an instant digital image on a screen rather than on film that needs developing.
"We are pleased to have TowerJazz as our manufacturing partner as we increase production volumes of our dental sensor products. Their leading 0.18-micron CMOS image sensor technology is a key enabler in providing excellent stitching performance, high yields, and a rich IP portfolio," said Francois Thouret, Divisional Director for e2v's High performance Imaging Solutions Business. "We value the capabilities and flexibility of a specialty foundry partner like TowerJazz to meet our stringent requirements, offering superior process technology combined with outstanding customer support."
