#South Korea #Seoul #SK Keyfoundry #Hall-effect sensor #3D sensor technology

Introduction

SK Keyfoundry, a prominent player in the semiconductor foundry landscape, has recently made waves with the introduction of its latest innovation: a cutting-edge 3D Hall-effect sensor technology. This new offering is designed to measure speed and direction by detecting three-dimensional magnetic fields, significantly enhancing the measurement precision for customers across multiple sectors.

Understanding Hall-Effect Sensors

Hall-effect sensors are devices used to gauge the strength of a magnetic field. They operate based on the Hall effect, which occurs when a conductor or semiconductor experiences a magnetic field, resulting in a voltage difference across it. This technology has been widely adopted due to its versatile applications, including monitoring device position, speed, rotation, direction, and current.

Features of the 3D Hall-Effect Sensor

SK Keyfoundry's new 3D Hall-effect sensor integrates Vertical and Planar Hall-effect sensors on a single chip, providing enhanced sensitivity compared to existing 1D and 2D versions. This significant upgrade enables the sensor to track minute changes in direction and speed with remarkable speed and accuracy. The design facilitates easy integration into customer products through the addition of masks to current processes, making adoption seamless.

Available across various process nodes, specifically in the range of 0.13μm to 0.18μm, the 3D Hall-effect sensor maintains robust electrical characteristics, ensuring reliability in diverse applications.

Potential Applications

The implications of SK Keyfoundry's 3D Hall-effect sensor technology are vast. Its utilization spans several industries:

• - Automotive Sector: The sensor plays a crucial role in safe driving assistance systems and autonomous driving, enhancing vehicles' response and awareness of their surroundings.
• - Consumer Electronics: In smart appliances and gaming consoles, it improves user interaction and responsiveness, elevating the overall experience.
• - Industrial Automation: The sensor contributes to the control of robots, drones, and wearable devices, enabling precise functionality in complex environments.

Derek D. Lee, CEO of SK Keyfoundry, stated, “The newly launched 3D Hall-effect sensor technology is expected to be utilized in the design of products across various industries, including home appliances, automotive, robotics, and drones, due to its high sensitivity and ability to detect minute three-dimensional movements.” This indicates a strong commitment from SK Keyfoundry to support its clients as they integrate additional functions into their semiconductor designs.

Conclusion

As SK Keyfoundry pushes the boundaries of what's possible in semiconductor technology, the introduction of this 3D Hall-effect sensor is a testament to their innovation and responsiveness to market needs. With its extensive applications and integration ease, this sensor is set to reshape how industries approach sensor technology and product development, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more efficient devices in the future.

About SK Keyfoundry

Based in Korea, SK Keyfoundry specializes in providing Analog and Mixed-Signal foundry services to semiconductor companies, catering to a diverse range of markets including consumer electronics, communications, computing, automotive, and industrial sectors. Their flexible technology portfolio and process capabilities position them as a significant contributor to the evolving semiconductor landscape. For more information, visit SK Keyfoundry's website.