31-jan-2003: Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced an agreement for Agilent to acquire the intellectual property and certain other assets of Pixel Devices International Inc. (PDI), a developer of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor technology. Upon the close of the transaction, key employees of the Sunnyvale-based firm will join Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group, including PDI's chief technical officer, CMOS imaging pioneer Boyd Fowler.
"We look forward to joining forces with the industry leader in CMOS imaging," said Fowler. "We feel our technology can reach its full potential by leveraging Agilent's global strengths and market leadership position."
PDI's focus has been on ultra low noise CMOS image sensors for industrial and biomedical systems. Their "active reset" technology can reduce noise by one or two orders of magnitude compared to traditional CMOS pixel technologies, enabling low-light imaging for embedded cell phone cameras or for high-speed industrial and biomedical camera applications.
Agilent can take advantage of PDI's technology as Agilent produces next-generation image sensors for a wide range of applications. Agilent is the world's leading provider of CMOS image sensors, having shipped over 100 million devices for optical mice and PC cameras. Agilent is currently developing miniature camera modules to be embedded in wireless handsets. Agilent plans to use PDI's low-noise technology to enhance low-light imaging capability.
"The technological acumen that Boyd and his team bring to Agilent will enhance our position as the worldwide leader in CMOS imaging," said Jason Hartlove, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Sensor Solutions Division. "We share the belief that CMOS image sensors can not only offer lower power consumption and easier integration, but can also produce superior image quality compared to charge-coupled devices."
The transaction is expected to close by mid-February, subject to closing conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.
About Pixel Devices International
Pixel Devices International designs and manufactures high-speed, low-noise image sensors and cameras. The sensors have very high sensitivity and are designed for high-speed, low light level imaging.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics and life sciences. The company's 36,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6 billion in fiscal year 2002. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at http://www.agilent.com/