This is one of the most innovative projects I have been involved with since joining National four years ago. Eventually, this technology will replace film and change the way we use cameras for both professional and amateur photographers. The sensor is approximately 2.2 centimeters on each side, nearly an inch square. Foveon said the key to manufacturing the new sensor was National's early implementation of its advanced 0.18-micron CMOS process technology. The size of circuit elements on silicon chips is measured in microns or millionths of an inch.
Smaller sizes allow more functions to be incorporated in a single chip and also improve performance.
National, a world leader in analog circuit design and manufacturing, was one of the first companies to incorporate 0.18-micron processing. Our close working relationship with National Semiconductor has been a key to our success. In addition to collaborating with Foveon on engineering and fabrication issues, National is Foveon's principal investor. Both companies are committed to developing revolutionary image sensors with higher resolution, quality and reliability than previously available. Production of CCD sensors requires specialized fabrication facilities which are only used for CCD manufacturing.