MagnaChip to be ELAN’s foundry partner for biometric smartcard production

MagnaChip Semiconductor Corporation has been selected as ELAN Microelectronics’ foundry partner for the production of biometric smartcards.

Embedded with a fingerprint sensor, the smartcard is designed to provide secure identification to prevent credit card fraud.

The sensor-IC based smartcard will be made using MagnaChip’s 0.35 micron Mixed Signal Thick IMD manufacturing process technology.

MagnaChip was chosen primarily for its recognized specialized foundry capability, proven and reliable manufacturing processes with robust analog performance, according to the media release.

“We hope that the collaboration between MagnaChip and ELAN will continue to produce innovative and high quality products for our customers,” said I. H. Yeh, ELAN’s CEO. “ELAN sees its continued strategic partnership with MagnaChip as a long-term benefit to ELAN and MagnaChip.”

MagnaChip’s current technologies for fingerprint sensor ICs include 0.35 micron, 0.18 micron 1.8V/3.3V and single 3.3V Mixed Signal technology processes.

The company plans to expand its line of manufacturing processes to include more advanced technologies such as its 0.18 micron Slim Mixed Signal manufacturing process, which requires fewer mask layers than usual.

MagnaChip’s manufacturing processes are ideal for applications in fast-growing markets that rely on fingerprint identification, including payment, medical, transportation and automobile industries.

“We are very pleased to announce MagnaChip’s continued partnership with ELAN and the volume ramp of fingerprint sensor IC-based products utilizing our 0.35 micron Mixed Signal Thick IMD based process technology,” YJ Kim, CEO of MagnaChip, said. “This process is well-suited for smartcards, which require low power consumption. We will continue to develop high-performance and cost-effective fingerprint sensor IC technology solutions that meet the growing needs of our foundry customers.”

In April, ELAN Microelectronics issued its financial results for Q1 2017, reporting net profits of NT$140 million (US$4.654 million).

Article Topics

biometrics  |  ELAN Microelectronics  |  fingerprint sensors  |  smartcards