On July 2, ON announced that it has completed the acquisition of SWIR Vision Systems to enhance its smart sensor portfolio.

SWIR Vision Systems is a leading provider of CQD (Colloidal quantum dot-based) short-wave infrared (SWIR) technology that extends the detectable spectrum to see through objects and capture images that were previously impossible. The integration of this patented technology into ON’s industry-leading CMOS sensors will significantly enhance the company’s smart sensing portfolio and pave the way for further growth in key markets such as industrial and automotive.

PIO800K02 CQD uses nanoparticles or crystals with unique optical and electronic properties that can be precisely tuned to absorb extended wavelengths of light. The technology extends the visibility and detection range of the system from the range of standard CMOS sensors to SWIR wavelengths. To date, adoption of SWIR technology has been limited by the high cost and manufacturing complexity of traditional indium gallium arsenic (InGAas) processes.

PIO800K02

With this acquisition, ON Semiconductor will combine its silicon-based CMOS sensors and manufacturing expertise with CQD technology to deliver highly integrated SWIR sensors at lower cost and higher yields. The result is a more compact, cost-effective imaging system that delivers an extended spectrum that can be used in a wide range of commercial, industrial, and defense applications.

PIO800K02 These advanced SWIR sensors are able to penetrate dense materials, gases, fabrics and plastics, which is essential for many industries, especially for industrial applications such as surveillance systems, silicon wafer inspection, machine vision imaging and food inspection. In self-driving car imaging, a higher spectrum will create better visibility to penetrate difficult conditions such as extreme darkness, dense fog, or winter glare.

SWIR Vision Systems is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of ON, and its highly skilled team has been integrated into the company’s Intelligent Perception Group, which will continue to be based in North Carolina. The acquisition is not expected to have any material impact on ON Semiconductor’s near – to medium-term financial prospects