Sapien Semiconductors said on the 26th it signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Semifive to strengthen competitiveness in microdisplay technology. Sapien Semiconductors is a corporations with capabilities in developing micro light-emitting diode (LED) display driver semiconductors, and Semifive is engaged in the artificial intelligence (AI) application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) business.
Based on this collaboration, the two sides will develop "complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) backplane" technology, a core component of microdisplays. They will cooperate on precise verification and simulations to improve the completeness of the related technology. They also plan to prepare technical consulting for implementing microdisplay driver integrated circuits (IC) and joint response measures for the global market.
The two sides said they joined forces to preemptively secure leadership in the market as global big-tech corporations are pointing to AI smart glasses as the "next smartphone" and ramping up investment. The CMOS backplane is a core component of the microdisplay mounted in smart glasses.
Semifive will support advancement of collaborative technologies based on its AI system-on-chip (SoC) design platform and end-to-end solutions that cover everything from design to mass production. Sapien Semiconductors will handle CMOS implementation based on its proprietary technologies and specialized know-how accumulated in the field of microdisplay driver chip design.
Semifive CEO Cho Myeong-hyeon said, "With this collaboration as a starting point, we will maximize the companies' technological synergy to redefine standards in the wearable market and jointly seize leadership in the global display market." Sapien Semiconductors CEO Lee Myung-hee noted, "We will successfully unveil a differentiated CMOS backplane solution and solidify our technological edge in the next-generation display market."