Device Arena

Toshiba Corporation
Sony Corporation

Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) and Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that they had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding expressing their intent to transfer from Toshiba to Sony the semiconductor fabrication facilities owned by Toshiba and operated by Nagasaki Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (“NSM”), a joint venture among Toshiba, Sony and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (“SCEI”), and, following the contemplated transfer, terminate their NSM joint venture relationship.

NSM, which was established in March 2008 and is located in the Nagasaki Technology Center of Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation (“SCK”), has been manufacturing the high-performance “Cell Broadband Engine™” processor, the graphics engine “RSX” and other high-performance semiconductors and leading-edge SoC (system-on-a-chip) for applications in digital consumer products of Toshiba and Sony. The facilities to be transferred would be the fabrication facilities and equipment for the 300 mm wafer line located within the Nagasaki Technology Center purchased by Toshiba from Sony and SCK and leased to NSM in 2008 and other facilities that Toshiba and Sony will agree to transfer among those in which Toshiba invested in connection with the operation by NSM after the purchase.

After due diligence on the facilities to be transferred and continuing negotiations, Toshiba and Sony aim to execute definitive agreements (with respect to the contemplated transfer of the semiconductor fabrication facilities) as soon as possible before the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011. Thereafter, Toshiba and Sony aim to complete the transfer early in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, subject to any necessary government approvals.

Outline of NSM
Establishment: March 3, 2008
Location: 1883-43, Tsukuba-machi, Isahaya-city, Nagasaki, Japan
Capital: 100 million yen
Ownership: Toshiba 60%, Sony 20% and SCEI 20%
Representatives: Masaaki Kinugawa, Chairman of the Board and Director(Chief Executive Officer)
Nobuhiro Yamaguchi, President and Director(Chief Operating Officer)
Business Activities: Manufacture of high-performance semiconductors, including the “Cell Broadband Engine™” processor and the graphics engine “RSX”
Number of employees: Approximately 460 as of December 1, 2010

sony.net

Dai Nippon Printing Co.,Ltd.
Sony Corporation

Dai Nippon Printing Co.,Ltd. (hereafter referred to as DNP) and Sony Corporation (hereafter referred to as Sony) have concluded an agreement in which Sony’s professional digital photo printer business (excluding the manufacture of printers) shall be transferred to DNP, and announced today the official execution of the business transfer agreement between the two parties. Accompanying the concerned agreement, DNP will establish a working framework in which dye-sublimation print media* is supplied without interruption throughout the business transfer proceedings to the instant photo printing kiosk and printers for ID photography currently installed by Sony.

Additionally, Sony will continue to maintain its medical-purpose professional printing business.

In the event that the concerned business transfer is subject to receipt of necessary approvals by the regulatory authorities of related governments in countries where the concerned business has a physical presence, and subject to appropriate country consultation with employees, the agreement shall be executed on the condition that such approval is granted. Execution of the transfer of business assets is scheduled for April 1, 2011.

The outline of the agreement is as follows:
1. Outline of the Agreement

Sony shall transfer all of its active business accounts from throughout the world, with regard to its professional digital photo printer business, to DNP. The transfer of a portion of Sony’s employees involved in the aforementioned business to DNP is also planned to accompany the agreement.

2. Purpose of Concerned Business Transfer

DNP commenced the manufacture of Dye-Sublimation Print Media* in the latter half of the 1980’s. It currently supplies this print media for the printing of digital images taken by digital cameras and mobile phones with built-in cameras to professional printers used in photo stores and large retailers throughout the world, in addition to consumer printers.

The dry-printing method in which the photo printing of digital images is processed without the use of liquid developers as in dye-sublimation printing, has become increasingly prevalent, and the introduction of new applications such as photo books has expanded the means by which consumers can enjoy printing images. Following the conclusion of the agreement, DNP shall be able to succeed Sony’s global customer base, thus enhancing efforts to strengthen and expand the company’s digital photo printing business in this growing market.

While Sony has operated its professional digital photo printer business, employing the thermal transfer dye-sublimation method, for instant photo printing and photo IDs since 2001, it has decided to concentrate its efforts on select businesses that will enable it to further enhance the future competitiveness of its professional solutions business.

With regard to its professional printer business, the company shall now specialize in the medical-purpose segment, and continue efforts to strengthen the business.

* Dye-Sublimation Print Media
Media that is used for the printing of photographs such as digital images using the thermal-transfer printing method. It is composed of a transparent overcoat layer on a 3-color ink ribbon including yellow, magenta and cyan, and specialized receiver paper. The transfer of dye according to image density allows for smooth gradation, enabling the recreation of high-quality images. The media also allows for high-speed printing, and its extended durability has expanded its use as printing media for images taken by digital cameras mainly in such devices as household photo printers, kiosk devices and photo IDs.

sony.net

Also announces industry’s smallest and thinnest*1 lens module for mobile phones

October 7, 2010, Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation (hereafter, “Sony”) today announced the commercialization of two new “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS image sensors with dramatically improved photographic performance including significantly high sensitivity and low noise. In addition, Sony will launch two new lens modules equipped with these image sensors, which also include the smallest and thinnest*1 model for mobile phones. This is also the first time that “Exmor R” is commercialized for the use in mobile phones.
*1 As of October 7, 2010

Lens modules: “IU081F” (left), “IU105F2″ (right)
“Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS image sensors:”IMX081PQ” (left), “IMX105PQ” (right)

Model Name Shipment date (Plan) Sample price
Type 1/2.8 16.41 effective megapixels
back-illuminated CMOS image sensor
“IMX081PQ” January, 2011 2,500 JPY
Type 1/3.2 8.13 effective megapixels
back-illuminated CMOS image sensor
“IMX105PQ” April, 2011 1,500 JPY
Type 1/2.8 16.41 effective megapixels*2
Lens module “IU081F” March, 2011 12,000 JPY
Type 1/3.2 8.13 effective megapixels*2
Lens module “IU105F2″ April, 2011 8,000 JPY
*2 Based on the effective pixels of the image sensor

“IMX081PQ” is world’s first*1 type 1/2.8 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which realizes 16.41 effective megapixel resolution, and adopts the industry’s smallest*1 unit pixel size of 1.12μm. “IMX105PQ” is a type 1/3.2 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which realizes 8.13 effective megapixel resolutions for higher sensitivity and adopts a unit pixel size of 1.4μm. By embedding these highly sensitive sensors into mobile phones, including those without camera flash, users can capture high quality photos and videos even in low light settings.
Furthermore, Sony will commercialize “IU081F” and “IU105F2″ compact auto-focus lens modules which include the two new “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS image sensors. These down-sized modules are suitable and efficient for mobile phones with relatively limited space and are equipped with high performance lens which maximize the image sensors’ respective performances. “IU081F” is the industry’s smallest and thinnest*1 auto-focus lens module (W10.5 X D10.5 X H7.9mm) and is equipped with the 16.41 effective megapixel*2 CMOS image sensor. “IU105F2″ adopts the 8.13 effective megapixel*2 CMOS image sensor, and belongs in the industry’s smallest and thinnest*3 size class (W8.5 X D8.5 X H5.67mm).
Through its proprietary fine pixel fabrication process technology, Sony will proactively continue the development of “Exmor R” which adopts the 1.12μm unit pixel size for mobile phones. Accordingly, Sony aims to address customer demand by providing appropriately small lens modules especially for smartphones with large displays and limited space for components.

About the realization of high resolution
“IMX081PQ” is world’s first*1 type 1/2.8 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which realizes 16.41 effective megapixel resolution, and adopts the industry’s smallest*1 unit pixel size of 1.12μm achieved by the fine pixel fabrication process technology. In theory, when a unit pixel size is made smaller, there are also some issues such as color mixture among smaller unit pixels. Sony solved this problem by implementing a unique formation of photo diodes optimally designed for fine pixel structure to realize a CMOS image sensor with high resolution, high sensitivity and low noise.

About manufacturing
Since 2009, Sony has been mass producing “Exmor R” for Digital Still Cameras and Digital Video Camcorders on wafer lines (with diameter of 200mm) at Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation’s Nagasaki Technology Center. At the end of 2010, Sony plans to start the mass production of “Exmor R,” including those for mobile phones announced today, at Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation’s Kumamoto Technology Center, on cutting-edge wafer lines (with diameter of 300mm). Sony already announced (September 1, 2010) the investment of approximately 40 billion yen in Kumamoto Technology Center to increase production capacity for CMOS image sensors.

About Back-illuminated CMOS image sensor “Exmor R”
Sony first announced the development of “Exmor R” on Jun, 2008. “Exmor R” has been incorporated in Sony’s digital imaging products since 2009, and its use in other products has continued to expand. “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor features Sony’s independently developed back-illuminated structure, realizing significantly higher sensitivity as well as lower noise. In this back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, light is directed onto the silicon substrate from behind, allowing light to be used with a level of efficiency not possible with conventional front-illuminated structures.

Main features

1) CMOS image sensor with the world’s first*1 16.41 effective megapixel resolution for use in mobile phones. (“IMX081PQ”)
–adopts formation technology used to create industry’s smallest*11.12µm unit pixel
2) Realizes high sensitivity and low noise through back-illuminated structure.
3) Adopts Sony’s proprietary “Column-Parallel A/D Conversion Technique”, providing each column within the sensor with its own A/D converter, achieving high frame rates of 15 frame/sec (in all-pixel scan mode) and Full-HD video taking capability.

1) The industry’s smallest and thinnest*1 lens module equipped with CMOS image sensor, lens and auto-focus functions in which the pixel structure and lens are optimally designed. (“IU081F”)
2) Approximately twice as sensitive as a conventional front-illuminated CMOS image sensor by combining back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and bright lens with small f-number. (“IU105F2″)
3) Equipped with 28mm wide-angle lens (35mm conversion) which is convenient for daily shooting.

Key specifications

Model Name IMX081PQ IMX105PQ
Number of effective pixels 4672(H)×3512(V)
16.41M pixels 3288(H)×2472(V)
8.13M pixels
Image size Diagonal 6.5mm (Type1/2.8)
square pixel Diagonal 5.76mm (Type 1/3.2)
square pixel
Unit cell size 1.12μm□ 1.4μm□
Frame
rate Full 15fps 15fps
1/2 sub sampling 30fps 30fps
1/8 sub sampling 120fps 120fps
HD mode 1080-30P / 720-60P 1080-30P / 720-30P
Sensitivity 205 digit (10Bit) 310 digit (10Bit)
Saturation signal 820 digit (10Bit) 1023 digit (10Bit)
Power supply Analog 2.7 +0.2/-0.1V 2.7 +0.2/-0.1V
Digital 1.2 ±0.1V 1.2 ±0.1V
Interface 1.8 ±0.1V 1.8 ±0.1V
Major function 3-wire serial communication, I2C, serial data output, supports flexible input clock
Output MIPI 4,2,1 Lane MIPI 2,1 Lane

Model Name IU081F IU105F2
Module size*2 10.5(W)×10.5(D)×7.9(H)mm 8.5(W)×8.5(D)× 5.67(H)mm
AF actuator Voice coil motor
Lens construction 4 groups 4 elements (Plastic)
F-number F2.6 F2.4
Focal length (35mm conversion) 28mm
Camera output MIPI (4 Lane) MIPI (2 Lane)

*1 As of October 7, 2010
*2 Based on the effective pixels of the image sensor
*3 Compared to CMOS image sensor with the same pixel count as of October 7, 2010
*4 Dimensions show width and depth excluding flexible printed circuits

sony.net

Barcelona Technology Center in Spain to be sold to Ficosa International and COMSA EMTE

As part of its on-going initiative to enhance its manufacturing efficiency to improve the profitability of its liquid crystal display (“LCD”) TV business, Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that its relevant European subsidiaries have agreed with Ficosa International, S.A. (“Ficosa”) and COMSA EMTE SL (“COMSA EMTE”), both headquartered in Spain, to sell the Barcelona technology center (formal name: Sony Espana S.A., Barcelona Technology Center [Barcelona, Spain]), which manufactures LCD TVs for the Europe region, to Ficosa and COMSA EMTE.

With this transaction, the Barcelona technology center will be divided into two new companies, one focusing on manufacturing and the other focusing on development and engineering. The manufacturing company will be wholly-owned and operated by Ficosa, while the development and engineering company will be a 50:50 joint venture between Ficosa and COMSA EMTE. Between them, the new companies intend to assume employment of the majority of employees at the Barcelona technology center.

Sony will source LCD TV production to the new manufacturing company for two years after completion of the transfer. Both the new manufacturing and engineering companies will concurrently develop new businesses.

The transfer is planned to be completed by the end of December 2010, subject to certain regulatory and other approvals.

Although a loss is expected to be incurred by Sony in connection with the transaction for the rest of the current fiscal year, no material impact is anticipated on Sony’s consolidated financial results forecast for the current fiscal year that was released at the time of the first quarter earnings announcement, as such loss has been included in the forecast as a part of the 75 billion yen of estimated restructuring charges.

Overview of Barcelona technology center (Sony Espana S.A., Barcelona Technology Center)
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Date established: January 1973
Number of employees: approximately 1,100 (as of August 31, 2010)
Site area: 206,000 m²
Representative: President, Sony Espana S.A.
Managing Director, Barcelona Technology Center Pedro Navarrete
Richard Davies
Key products: LCD TVs and related components

About Ficosa International, S.A.
Established in 1949, Ficosa International, S.A. is a multinational corporation devoted to the research, development, production and commercialization of systems and parts for automobiles. It is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain and employs 6,800 people. Ficosa is present in 19 countries around the world including Europe, North America, South America and Asia.

About COMSA EMTE SL
COMSA EMTE SL is the second-largest Spanish unlisted group in the infrastructure, services, engineering and systems sector. The group has a presence in 13 countries and employs 9,000 people.

sony.net

- During the matches, 4,800 people tested for HIV
- 26 games aired to 24,000 viewers
- Sony successful in experimental implementation of electricity, storage system based on natural energy sources

The project “Public Viewing in Africa” partnership between Sony Corporation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) brought 26 World Cup matches to 24,000 people living in Cameroon and Ghana. The viewings launched an AIDS-awareness campaign aiming to bring health information to vulnerable communities in these countries, and contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The MDGs are eight internationally-agreed targets which aim to reduce poverty, hunger, maternal and child deaths, disease, inadequate shelter, gender inequality and environmental degradation by 2015.

Sony set up large screen visual equipment, including a 200 inch screen, projector, Blu-Ray disc player and waterproof speakers, and aired, for free, 26 live matches of 2010 FIFA World Cup™, at locations with limited access to television, while UNDP, JICA and local partners offered the viewers HIV and AIDS counseling and advocacy materials. Activities included drama performances, quizzes and song contests relating to HIV and AIDS prevention, as well as the free distribution of condoms. Despite the widespread popularity of football across Cameroon and Ghana, low household TV penetration, at approximately 20 percent, and the lack of electricity in certain regions prevents many communities from watching their teams on TV.

In Cameroon, UNDP mobilized approximately 5,350 people to five venues in four regions, while in Ghana, JICA brought together 18,650 people at 18 venues across 15 regions. In addition, 1,800 people in Cameroon and 3,000 people in Ghana took HIV tests. In both instances, more than double the number of people expected participated. During the screenings, “Join the Team!” footballs, made from environmentally conscious and durable material produced by Sony were also distributed. Furthermore, with the help of NGOs and international organizations such as JICA and UNDP, Sony will be donating 3,372 footballs, which were gathered by people around the world through Sony’s Earth F.C. project (www.sony.net/united/earthfc/ *Currently not accessible), to children in Africa.

As part of its efforts to harness sustainable energy sources, Sony also piloted in Ghana a combined solar power and lithium-ion storage battery system*, which provided enough electric power to screen more than two hours of football broadcasts for public viewing in the evening.

UNDP and JICA work with the private sector to accelerate progress towards the MDGs by 2015, by promoting inclusive growth, and sharing best practice on how businesses can be profitable while fighting poverty.

Under the theme “For the Next Generation”, the Sony Group is aiming to collaborate with external organizations to leverage the company’s strengths in meeting the needs of today’s society, while aiming to contribute to social sustainability and the development of the next generation. In recent years, Sony has also supported various activities in Africa with the aim of contributing to the MDGs.

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