During the past five years, the IEE Dresden team has developed sophisticated mixed-signal ASIC designs for innovative sensor applications. They also helped to develop the core 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology, which resulted in a variety of products based on IEE's 3D MLI Sensor - the Tailgate Detector TDflex, People Counter and Volumetric Object Surveillor. The mixed-signal chip design, along with the test and qualification experience of the Dresden team, will further strengthen PMD's leading position as a cutting-edge 3D ToF image sensor company. "The consolidation of the existing 3D ToF know-how at PMD and IEE Vision Sensing will advance PMD's technology to new levels of innovation and quality," says Prof. Mierau, PMD's new Branch Manager Dresden.
In addition to the acquisition, IEE and PMD have also established a strategic cooperation. IEE will continue to expand their 3D image sensing product portfolio, particularly for automotive and building security applications, while PMD will use their six years of experience supplying mass market 3D chips, to support both IEE's existing and new products.
"Choosing PMD as a strategic partner for the 3D imager provides us with a long-term perspective and the opportunity to focus on IEE's key activities in the area of developing 3D vision sensing products," says Michel Witte, Senior Executive Vice President and co-founder of IEE. Dr. Bernd Buxbaum, Managing Director and CEO of PMD also sees benefits in the partnership for his company. "IEE is an internationally recognized player in the automotive market with demonstrated success," he says. "Given their expertise, we are pleased to be working closely with IEE on PMD-based camera applications for their key target markets."
About IEE
IEE S.A. is a privately-held innovative developer of specialized sensing systems. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Luxembourg, the company has operations in Europe, the US and Asia. IEE is a global leader in automotive safety sensing systems for occupant detection and classification. The company also provides people and object sensing solutions, based on 3D Time of Flight (ToF) technology, that enhance building safety and management. These ToF applications have been awarded a total of six international innovation prizes in the automotive and building safety and management sectors. IEE has also developed key 3D ToF competencies in the design of illumination, optics, and 3D algorithms. The company's solutions are dedicated to the following markets: Transportation & Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Public & Commercial Infrastructure, Automation & Logistics and Medical & Healthcare. IEE employs 1,600 people worldwide and over 10 % of the company's workforce is engaged in Research & Development.
For more information, please visit www.iee.lu.