SMIC and Aurora Systems in volume production of digital LCOS panel chips

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation and U.S.-based Aurora Systems, Inc. have announced that Aurora's digital LCOS panel chips have successfully entered into volume commercial production at SMIC.

The digital LCOS panel chip is designed by Aurora Systems in both 1080P (1920x1080) and 720P (1280x720) resolutions, and enables high performance, as well as low defect LCOS panel and systems optics, thereby offering premier quality for rear-projection TV (RPTV) in high-definition format. 

Several leading consumer electronics manufacturers have already employed these LCOS panel chips in the production of high-resolution, large-screen RPTVs.

"Aurora's collaboration with SMIC started in early 2005, and we are delighted to see our mutual hard work come into fruition in such a short time, further re-affirming Aurora's commitment in engaging SMIC as our long-term strategic foundry partner", said Poking Li, Acting CEO of Aurora Systems.  "Aurora looks forward to continue to work with SMIC in providing our valued customers with better and more advanced LCOS chips at affordable prices, to meet the ever-evolving demands of HDTV technologies in today's market."
   
"We are proud to combine SMIC's manufacturing capabilities with Aurora's industry-leading designs to bring this LCOS backplane product to the market.  SMIC intends to expand its alliances with HDTV industry leaders, such as Aurora, to further deliver high quality products that continue to push the performance level.  We aim to be the foundry of choice for LCOS backplane wafers to global IDM and fabless customers", said James Sung, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at SMIC.