Silicon Photonics Startup, SiLC Technologies, Targets Range-Extended, Eye-Safe LiDAR with Highly Integrated 4D Vision Chip

MONROVIA, Calif., Dec. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SiLC Technologies, Inc., a silicon photonics-based supplier of integrated 4D vision solutions, today announced an integrated 1550nm FMCW LiDAR on a chip. Utilizing frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology at 1550nm wavelength, SiLC's Vision Sensor represents the future of LiDAR in which safety, performance and range dramatically increase, while full integration enables a low-cost, low power, and compact footprint. SiLC's silicon-based integration platform will transform the economics of the LiDAR market and enable a broad range of consumer, industrial, robotics and security applications. SiLC will demonstrate record-setting performance with its integrated 4D Vision Sensor test chip at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Unlike existing solutions, based on Time of Flight (TOF) technology at 905nm, which suffer from range limitation due to eye safety and concerns about multi-user cross-talk, SiLC's FMCW 1550nm Vision Sensor enables interference free and eye safe operation. Utilizing coherent detection techniques enables low laser peak power and measurement of instantaneous velocity at the same time.

"The gating factor limiting the broader use of this technique has been the expensive telecom-grade components, such as narrow linewidth lasers and coherent receivers," explained Mehdi Asghari, CEO of SiLC. "This is where we come in. We're able to integrate all the required functionalities into a single silicon chip, utilizing our mature silicon photonic platform, to offer a compact and cost-effective solution."

"The LiDAR space has become attractive for specialized semiconductor players like us to invest in application-specific solutions," explained Asghari. "In the automotive sector, we are a supplier to existing LiDAR manufacturers and Tier 1s, providing them with a path to a cost effective and scalable platform. We are in discussions with customers and aim to deploy first products with our strategic partners before the end of 2019 to support their development and evaluation activities."

SiLC was founded by industry veteran Dr. Mehdi Asghari and his team, who have a long and proven track record together in silicon photonics going back over 20 years. This includes a successful IPO for Bookham and the repositioning of Kotura for Data Center Optics and its subsequent commercial sale to Mellanox. SiLC's technology is mature and proven. It has supported qualification and ramp to volume production of many products in the past, in both telecom and data center applications, and enjoys a well-established manufacturing eco-system.

About SiLC Technologies, Inc.
SiLC Technologies, Inc. is a silicon photonics integrated circuit semiconductor supplier located in Monrovia, Southern California. Company's initial focus is on integrated 4D Vision Sensors targeting a wide range of applications. Founded by a group of highly experienced industry veterans with over 20 years of commercial product development and manufacturing heritage, SiLC utilizes silicon based semiconductor fabrication processes to manufacture its chips and standard, automated IC style assembly processes to enable robust, cost effective and compact solutions. Please visit us at www.silc.com.

SOURCE SiLC Technologies, Inc.

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