Press Releases

Optical microsystems are forging the path of light. Fraunhofer IPMS photonic systems modulate light via small deflectable mirrors to induce images and structures in a unique way. Expanding on this technique, the Dresden-based Fraunhofer research institute has developed spatial light modulators consisting of up to several million mirrors on a semiconductor chip. These micro mirror arrays are to be used in semiconductor production as well as in micro and laser projection. Fraunhofer IPMS is currently the world leader in this field. Adding to its already impressive list of technologies, Fraunhofer IPMS has now developed a CMOS-integrated micromirror array with two tilting axes per mirror as well as the associated technological platform.

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched its first-ever competition dedicated to the development of an innovative, energy-efficient AI system. The Fraunhofer Institutes IIS and IPMS have entered their joint ADELIA (Analog Deep Learning Inference Accelerator) project into the BMBF’s Sprunginnovationen competition, where their focus is on the design of an analog inference accelerator ASIC. Fraunhofer IIS leads the project.

When we want to talk to each other, we best transfer the information in a short time and without detours. In automation technology, the demands on communication are even higher. There, messages often have to be transmitted in the microsecond range, for example to synchronize machines or drives with each other. The Fraunhofer IPMS has combined Li-Fi and Time Sensitive Networking to enable real-time and deterministic data transmission wirelessly.

They form the central nervous system of the information age: silicon semiconductor chips. Silicon wafers serve as carriers of information that is produced by the most modern methods and processes. The Fraunhofer IPMS based in Dresden offers research and development services for semiconductor production in the 300 mm wafer sector.

In autonomous vehicles, people are only passengers. The car steers independently and recognizes obstacles and dangers. Optical sensors replace the driver's eye so that the vehicle can recognize its environment. A team of researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS in Dresden is developing microscanner mirrors (MEMS scanners) that can perceive their environment reliably and without interference while being small and integrable at the same time. The vision of safe autonomous driving is thus within reach. The Fraunhofer IPMS will be presenting its latest developments to the general public at the world's leading trade fair for the development and manufacture of electronics, Productronica, from 12 to 15 November 2019 in Munich.

Researchers at Fraunhofer IPMS have developed a wireless and battery-free RFID sensor system that can monitor the temperature in switchgear. At the RFID & Wireless IoT tomorrow conference and exhibition from 29-30 October 2019 in Darmstadt, Germany, the experts will present their complete range of products.

In the coming years, demand and market penetration for Internet of Voice services are expected to grow. Services are already available via Hearables, intelligent wireless headphones equipped with mini-speakers combined with numerous additional features that are inserted directly into the human ear. When the required hardware is sufficiently miniaturized to fit comfortably and permanently in the ear canal, these micro-headphones will have the potential to take over the entire Internet communication.

Safety requirements have grown to meet the same expectations as standard safety equipment featured in motor vehicles. Even lower-priced vehicles today offer driver assistance systems capable of intervening with, for example steering, in certain situations. Fraunhofer IPMS has therefore certified its IP designs, CAN 2.0B and CAN FD Controller Core, for functional safety according to ISO26262:2018. System integrators can now be sure that this IP Core fulfills all criteria of the ASIL B level requirements. On 11. October 2019, Fraunhofer experts will provide more information on diverse automotive IP designs at the GLOBALFOUNDRIES Technology Conference Center in Munich.

EU project TEMPO targets low-power chips for AI applications based on emerging memory technologies

An EU-funded project developed new plastic bottle marking, identification and sorting technology, facilitating the separation and reuse of packaging that has been used for food and drink.