Imec's SNAPSHOT SWIR camera will enable the development of vision systems based on multispectral information in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectrum with multiple applications in critical industries.
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Research
Research in microelectronic solutions for critical systems is a pillar of the SoC4sensing Chip Chair. The objectives of the research plan are:
- Promote lines of research that will advance the design of solutions for microelectronic products, specifically semiconductor devices that can be exploited in the short and medium term.
- Explore and develop transversal concepts and capabilities applicable to the Training Plan.
Specifically, the actions promoted by the Chair are focused on the following topics:
- Prototyping of a semiconductor SoC device with high-availability Ethernet communications and RISC-V CPU on reconfigurable logic of next-generation Intel-Altera SRAM technology
The objective of this project is to obtain a RISC-V CPU-based SoC design for a high-availability Ethernet communications node (HSR/PRP) implemented on the new generation Intel-Altera SRAM technology.
- Digital Integrated Circuits Design with FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) EDA
The Chip University-Company SoC4sensing Chair offers the university extension course called Design of Digital Integrated Circuits with FOSS EDA to be taught at the School of Engineering of Bilbao. In this course, you will be able to acquire basic skills in the design of digital integrated circuits using these tools, which will lay the foundations for your future career in the emerging field of microelectronics.
- Synchronization and control of remote quantum sensor systems controlled with RFSoC semiconductor devices
The main objective of this work is to design a network of control systems for distributed quantum systems control instruments using a deterministic TSN network. The instrumentation systems will be based on RFSoC semiconductor devices that integrate all the value-added elements specific to the application in the same integrated circuit: the digital communications hardware, the digital signal processing hardware, the RF, and the application software.
- Embedded CPU architectures for System-on-Chip (SoC):
The proposed actions address the research and experimental development of SoC sub-systems based on RISC-V and ARM microprocessors. The possibility of adapting the RISC-V architecture by integrating custom-developed coprocessors.
- Microelectronic architectures for next-generation industrial communication systems:
The activities driven in this line of work address the research and development of hardware solutions to implement the new communication systems for critical systems integrating OT (real-time) and IT communications. The primary beneficiaries of these contributions are the industrial (Industry 4.0), ENERGY (Smart Grid), and Aerospace sectors.
- Microelectronic architectures for computing applications in systems with advanced Sensorics:
This research line addresses highly specialized research and development activities in a specific sensory application, Dynamic Vision Sensors, which will allow a decline in an experimental Chiplet development integrable in the developed SoC sub-systems. This area's contributions directly apply to industry, automotive, and aerospace.
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Acquisition of Multispectral Camera in SWIR Band
First publication date: 27/01/2025
IMEC's SNAPSHOT SWIR multispectral camera incorporates an advanced optical sensor designed to capture images in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectrum using InGaAs technology. On-chip mosaic filters are placed on this substrate by deposition of spectral filters based on Fabry-Perot interferometry, allowing the acquisition of spectral images with 9 SWIR bands at video frequencies. These features will allow us to experiment, in addition to intelligent vision systems based on spectral information, with the integration of multispectral imaging in neuromorphic vision systems based on event generation. This device drives the development of innovative solutions in computer vision, essential for critical environments that require high precision and performance.
Justification:
Multispectral image processing.
The SNAPSHOT SWIR CORE CAMERA provides an ideal basis for visual data acquisition with spectral information in the SWIR band, enabling the development of intelligent vision systems based on the processing of spectral reflectance patterns of objects.
Advanced pattern recognition and critical environments
It is ideal for applications requiring identifying materials, detecting defects not visible to the human eye, or working in low light conditions or with scattering elements such as smoke or fog. This device represents an essential component for research and training in designing high-performance processors for spectral imaging. Still, it also opens up new possibilities for innovative solutions in specialized optical sensors, with impact in multiple critical industries.
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