Impact of CMOS Image Sensors Fabrication Processes On The Quality Of Smartphone Pictures


A technical paper titled “A Review of the Recent Developments in the Fabrication Processes of CMOS Image Sensors for Smartphones” was published by researchers at Texas A&M University. Abstract: "CMOS Image Sensors are experiencing significant growth due to their capabilities to be integrated in smartphones with refined image quality. One of the major contributions to the growth of ima... » read more

Bridging The Digital Divide With Ultra Low-Cost Smartphones


According to the Alliance for Affordable Internet, 2.5 billion people in emerging economies now have access to mobile broadband coverage, but many still cannot afford the typical smartphone. They need a device that hits the right price point, and also provides the right capabilities to support and enhance them in their daily lives. Despite greater connectivity, hitting this ‘smartphone sweet... » read more

Chipmakers Model AI For Radio Access Networks


The chips that power and connect smartphones are now foundational to a disparate portfolio of daily tasks we take for granted, from accessing the internet to snapping a photo or asking Siri or Google if rain is in the forecast. Most people don’t think twice about the conflicting demands these tasks can place on semiconductors, but for engineers at leading chip manufacturers, this balancing ac... » read more

Authenticating Batteries Before Rapid And Fast Charging


If asked, most consumers will complain about the battery life of their smartphone. In reality, this is more a charging issue since, with traditional charging solutions, even a couple of hours of charging can result in a minimal improvement in charge on some handsets. Smartphone manufacturers are differentiating their offering by providing fast or rapid charging solutions. However, this places t... » read more

Security Highlight: Evil Never Sleeps


Recently, Apple introduced a useful but potentially dangerous feature to its iPhones. Most of us would assume that a phone becomes inactive when switched off by the user or due to low power. Surprisingly, newer phones continue limited functionality for several hours in low power mode or even if it is off. This includes cards in your Wallet and the Find My service. This feature caught the attent... » read more

Effect of Different Frequency Scaling Levels on Memory in Regard to Total Power Consumption in Mobile MPSoC


New technical paper titled "CPU-GPU-Memory DVFS for Power-Efficient MPSoC in Mobile Cyber Physical Systems" from researchers at University of Essex, Nosh Technologies, and University of Southampton. Abstract "Most modern mobile cyber-physical systems such as smartphones come equipped with multi-processor systems-on-chip (MPSoCs) with variant computing capacity both to cater to performance r... » read more

MIPI DSI-2 With VESA DSC Drives Performance For Next-Generation Displays


The Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) Alliance was formed in 2003 to address the fragmentation in the essential video interface technologies for cameras and displays in phones. Over the years, the alliance has significantly expanded its scope to publish specifications covering physical layer, multimedia, chip-to-chip, control/data, and debug/trace and software. With its broader mission... » read more

Modernizing Audio Codec Industry Standards For Enhanced Power Savings And Performance


Mobile phones have become a necessity, and we all use them to talk, play, communicate, and manage many aspects of our lives. While you may have an iPhone, your friends might have an Android phone  from one of several vendors. They all look and feel different, yet you can seamlessly talk with your friends. How is that possible? While they are different in some ways, they are similar in many oth... » read more

Week In Review: Manufacturing, Test


Fab tools, materials and packaging Intel has recognized 37 companies for its annual suppliers’ awards. The list includes equipment, materials, packaging houses and other segments. These suppliers have collaborated with Intel to implement process improvements with good products and services. See who made the list here. ---------------------------------------- Lam Research has introduced... » read more

Chips, Business And The Coronavirus


In the spring of 2003, the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) hit China and Hong Kong, creating such panic that no one would touch crates on shipping docks. Ultimately, it erased an estimated $40 billion from the global economy and effectively shut down the Chinese semiconductor industry for several months. It could have been much worse, though, and this is what is particularly troubli... » read more

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