SensorDynamics: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|European semiconductor and MEMS company}}

{{Infobox company

| name = SensorDynamics

| logo = [[Image:sensordynamicslogo.jpg]]

| type = [[Private company|Private]]

| successor = [[Maxim Integrated GmbH]]

| foundation = [[Graz]], [[Austria]] ({{Start date|2003}})

| founder =

| location_city = [[File:Flag of Austria.svg|border|20px]][[Graz]]/[[Lebring-Sankt Margarethen|Lebring]]

| location_country = [[Austria]]

| ___location =

| locations =

| area_served =

| key_people = Hubertus Christ <small>(Founder)</small> <br /> Herbert Gartner <small>(Founder)</small> <br /> [[Volker Kempe]] <small>(Founder)</small> <br /> Jürgen Tittel <small>(Founder)</small>

| industry = [[Semiconductor]]s

| products = Sensor & Sensor Interfaces, Semiconductors, [[MEMS]]

| services =

| revenue =

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| assets =

| equity =

| owner = [[Maxim Integrated Products]]

| num_employees =

| parent =

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}}

'''SensorDynamics''' was a European semiconductor and [[MEMS]] company specialized in developing and manufacturing high-volume [[microscopic scale|micro]]- and [[wireless]] [[semiconductor]] [[sensor]] products for applications in automotive, industry and high-end consumer sectors. The company was acquired by [[Maxim Integrated Products|Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.]]; a semiconductor company based in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. Acquisition was announced in Jul 2011 by Tunc Doluca, CEO and President of Maxim. SensorDynamics was acquired for $164 million ($130 million in cash plus $34 million in debt).<ref name=" Acquisition ">{{cite news|title= Acquisition |publisher=Business Journal|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2011/07/18/maxim-acquires-sensordynamics-for-130m.html|archive-date=October 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013202456/https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2011/07/18/maxim-acquires-sensordynamics-for-130m.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=" Press Release ">{{cite news|title= Press Release |publisher=Business Wire|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110718005754/en/Sensordynamics-Acquired-Maxim|archive-date=October 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013202456/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110718005754/en/Sensordynamics-Acquired-Maxim|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=" Super für Grazer SensorDynamics: Maxim zahlt 164 Millionen Dollar ">{{cite news|title= Super für Grazer SensorDynamics: Maxim zahlt 164 Millionen Dollar |publisher=Wirtschaftsblatt|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.wirtschaftsblatt.at/home/oesterreich/branchen/super-fuer-grazer-sensordynamics-maxim-zahlt-164-millionen-dollar-480953/print.do|archive-date=January 14, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114225045/http://www.wirtschaftsblatt.at/home/oesterreich/branchen/super-fuer-grazer-sensordynamics-maxim-zahlt-164-millionen-dollar-480953/print.do|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=" Maxim kauft steirische SensorDynamics ">{{cite news|title= Maxim kauft steirische SensorDynamics |publisher=Kleine Zeitung|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.kleinezeitung.at/nachrichten/wirtschaft/2789059/us-schalterhersteller-maxim-kauft-steirische-sensordynamics.story|archive-date=December 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216174747/http://www.kleinezeitung.at/nachrichten/wirtschaft/2789059/us-schalterhersteller-maxim-kauft-steirische-sensordynamics.story|url-status=live}}</ref> SensorDynamics developed and produced custom-made designs and standard components for use in vehicle stabilization, occupant protection, navigation systems, [[Keyless Go|keyless go]] systems orand autonomous energy generators for wireless and battery free controllers for industrial, automotive and high-end consumer application.<ref name=" SensorDynamics ">{{cite news|title= SensorDynamics |publisher=Wirtschaftsblatt|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://wirtschaftsblatt.at/archiv/1106147/index|archive-date=December 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214212111/http://wirtschaftsblatt.at/archiv/1106147/index|url-status=live}}</ref> With its head quartersheadquarters in [[Graz]], [[Austria]], SensorDynamics had offices in [[Italy]] and [[Germany]] and a worldwide sales and distribution network. The company employed about 130 people in July 2011.

== History ==

SensorDynamics was founded in 2003 by Herbert Gartner,<ref name=" Serial Entrepreneur Herbert Gartner ">{{cite news|title=Serial Entrepreneur Herbert Gartner|publisher=DiePresse|accessdate=June 20, 2015|url=http://karrierenews.diepresse.com/home/karrieretrends/4732267/Grunderzeit_Sind-gefordert-den-Forschergeist-unserer-Kinder|archive-date=June 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619221115/http://karrierenews.diepresse.com/home/karrieretrends/4732267/Grunderzeit_Sind-gefordert-den-Forschergeist-unserer-Kinder|url-status=live}}</ref> Hubertus Christ, Jürgen Tittel and [[Volker Kempe]]. Financed by national and international Venture Capital investors the company successfully closed four equity rounds in 2004, 2007, 2009 and 2011.<ref name=" Grazer SensorDynamics erhält von Konsortium 20 Millionen Euro ">{{cite news|title= Grazer SensorDynamics erhält von Konsortium 20 Millionen Euro |publisher=Boerse-Express|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.boerse-express.com/pages/366478|archive-date=October 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022175056/http://www.boerse-express.com/pages/366478|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=" SensorDynamics schließt Finanzierungsrunde über 25 Millionen Euro ">{{cite news|title= SensorDynamics schließt Finanzierungsrunde über 25 Millionen Euro |publisher=Presstext|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.pressetext.com/news/20071211018|archive-date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020223508/http://www.pressetext.com/news/20071211018|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005 SensorDynamics was ranked under the top 100 European high tech companies by Tornado Insider <ref name=" Tornado100 Awards ">{{cite news|title= Tornado100 Awards |publisher=Tornado Insider|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.tornado-insider.com/tornado100/awards.asp|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226144645/http://www.tornado-insider.com/tornado100/awards.asp|archivedate=2012-02-26}}</ref> and awarded the Fast Forward Award 2005 in Austria.<ref name=" Fast Forward Award ">{{cite news|title= Fast Forward Award |publisher=ORF|url=httphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOGl6NkpL6U}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref><ref name=" Fast Forward Award 2005 ">{{cite news|title= Fast Forward Award 2005 |publisher=SFG|url=http://www.sfg.at/cms/3134/Fast+Forward+Award+2005/}}</ref> From the beginning the Company strongly cooperated with the Institute of Silicon Technology [[Fraunhofer Society]] in [[Itzehoe]] and expanded this cooperation with long -term agreements in 2007.<ref name=" SensorDynamics und Fraunhofer schließen einen zukunftsweisenden, langfristigen Patentvertrag ab">{{cite news|title= SensorDynamics und Fraunhofer schließen einen zukunftsweisenden, langfristigen Patentvertrag ab |publisher=Fraunhofer|url=http://www.isit.fraunhofer.de/de/Aktuelles/20070411_patentvertrag_isit_und_sd.html|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022202837/http://www.isit.fraunhofer.de/de/Aktuelles/20070411_patentvertrag_isit_und_sd.html|archivedate=2014-10-22}}</ref> In October 2007 SensorDynamics started a deep cooperation with US consumer electronics supplier [http://www.kionix.com Kionix].<ref name=" SensorDynamics and Kionix Partner ">{{cite news|title= SensorDynamics and Kionix Partner |publisher=KionixDEWB|accessdateurl=Feb 2012http://www.dewb-vc.com/en/portfolio-en/portfolio-news-archive/728-5-october-2007-sensordynamics-and-kionix-partner-in-automotive-microsensor-solutions|access-date=2013-01-13|archive-date=2015-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402094803/http://www.kionixdewb-vc.com/Pressen/portfolio-Releasesen/Releasesportfolio-news-archive/SensorDynamics%20&%20Kionix%20071005.pdf728-5-october-2007-sensordynamics-and-kionix-partner-in-automotive-microsensor-solutions|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=" Mikromechanische Sensoren für Handys, Spielkonsolen, Navigationsgeräte, Camcorder ">{{cite news|title= Mikromechanische Sensoren für Handys, Spielkonsolen, Navigationsgeräte, Camcorder |publisher=Pressetext|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://pressetext.at/news/081201020/mikromechanische-sensoren-fuer-handys-spielkonsolen-navigationsgeraete-camcorder/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110816153137/http://pressetext.at/news/081201020/mikromechanische-sensoren-fuer-handys-spielkonsolen-navigationsgeraete-camcorder/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 16, 2011}}</ref> In August 2008 [[EnOcean]] and SensorDynamics announced the launch world's first [[energy harvesting]] system on chip [[System on chip|SOC]] product.<ref name=" EnOcean and SensorDynamics announce Energy Harvesting Single Chip RF Transceiver ">{{cite news|title= EnOcean and SensorDynamics announce Energy Harvesting Single Chip RF Transceiver |publisher=PressetextBusinessWire|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.newsfoxbusinesswire.com/ptenews/home/20081111006651/en/EnOcean-SensorDynamics-Announce-Energy-Harvesting-Single-Chip|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.mc?ptearchive.org/web/20150402141803/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20081111006651/en/EnOcean-SensorDynamics-Announce-Energy-Harvesting-Single-Chip|url-status=081111029live}}</ref> In March 2009 SensorDynamics launched [[MEMS]] gyroscopes for industrial, medical and consumer applications. In November 2009 [http://www.chipworks.com/ Chipworks] selected SensorDynamics' [[MEMS]] product SD755 as product of the year 2009.<ref name=" SensorDynamics Combisensor Named Product of the Year ">{{cite news|title= SensorDynamics Combisensor Named Product of the Year |publisher=Sensors Magazine|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.sensorsmag.com/automotive/news/sensordynamics-combisensor-named-product-year-6368|archive-date=July 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719182253/http://www.sensorsmag.com/automotive/news/sensordynamics-combisensor-named-product-year-6368|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2010 SensorDynamics announced XY angular rate and an XYZ angular rate devices in 6x6x1.8 mm3 QFN40-packages.<ref name=" NEW ROBUST 2D AND 3D ANGULAR RATE SENSORS ">{{cite news|title= NEW ROBUST 2D AND 3D ANGULAR RATE SENSORS |publisher=SensorDynamicsI-Micronews|accessdateurl=Feb 2012http://www.i-micronews.com/lectureArticle.asp?id=5761|access-date=2013-01-13|archive-date=2013-02-16|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216054332/http://www.sensordynamicsi-micronews.itcom/cms/cmslectureArticle.phpasp?pageIdid=7&newsId5761|url-status=63live}}</ref> In December 2010 SensorDynamics announced worldwide's first fully characterized and specified 6 x 6 x 1.2&nbsp;mm 6DoF [[Inertial measurement unit|IMU]] (six degrees of freedom inertial measurement unit) including evaluation boards.<ref name=" SensorDynamics: New 6-Axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6DoF IMU) ">{{cite news|title= SensorDynamics: New 6-Axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6DoF IMU) |publisher=Business Wire|accessdate=FebFebruary 12, 2012|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101208005687/en/SensorDynamics-6-Axis-Inertial-Measurement-Unit-6DoF-IMU|archive-date=October 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013202500/https://www.businesswire.com/resourcenotfound|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2011 SensorDynamics was acquired by [[Maxim Integrated Products]], a recognized leader in analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. [[Maxim Integrated Products]], headquartered in Sunnyvale/San Jose, California, is in Fortune 1000, and is included in the [[Nasdaq NASDAQ-100]], the [[Russell 1000]], and [[MSCI]] USA indices. Maxim was paying $164 million to acquire SensorDynamics.

== Product Portfolioportfolio ==

SensorDynamics focused on three product groups, for each of which the company had created a development platform to guarantee a maximum re-use of silicon proven analogue and digital IPs. This was the basis for both application-specific developments and adaptations of existing products.

=== Inertial microsensor systems ===

SensorDynamics had developed and produced world's first [[MEMS]] combo sensors in combining [[MEMS]] motion sensors ([[angular acceleration|angular]] rate and/or acceleration) with sophisticated analogue-digital electronics (ASIC) in micro packages to form a large-scale of integrated micro sensor system.

Applications included electronic stabilization systems, rollover detection and navigation sets for ’blind reckoning’ without [[GPS]] support.

=== Intelligent sensor interface circuits ===

SensorDynamics had a wealth of expertise in the development and manufacturing of intelligent electronic signal conditioning circuitry of macro sensors such as core and planar [[inductor|coil]]s, [[resistor]]s, capacitive and magneto resistive sensors. Cooperation with the customer produces application-specific sensor systems that combined macro sensors and electronic signal conditioning at module level.

=== Wireless sensors ===

Examples of wireless sensors were to be found in ‘[[Keyless Go|Keyless go]]’ or tyre pressure systems. However, [[wireless]] and battery-less sensor systems are increasingly adopted in industrial applications; especially automation such as smart [[Low frequency|LF]]/[[Radio frequency|RF]] applications.

[[Energy harvesting]], in other words powering devices from the energy produced by movement, heat or light, was enabled by SensorDynamics' system on chip [[System on chip|SOC]] products. Sensor systems that incorporated energy use optimization management &nbsp;– integrated processing of sensor signals through to the transmission of control signals at [[radio frequency|radio frequencies]] &nbsp;– was a special discipline of SensorDynamics.

== Key people ==

*[[Hubertus Christ]]Herbert Gartner (Founder, [[CEO]] 04/2003 - 09/2003, [[CFO]] 09/2003 - 03/2012)

*[[Herbert Gartner]]Hubertus Christ (Founder, [[CEO]] 04/2003 - 09/2003, [[CFO]] 09/2003 - 03/2012)

* [[Volker Kempe]] (Founder)

*[[ Jürgen Tittel]] (Founder)

== Management and Teamteam ==

The company had about 130 employees world-wide when it was acquired by [[Maxim Integrated Products]] in July 2011. Their key qualifications included: extensive experience in sensor system development, [[MEMS]] and [[semiconductor]] technology, testing and [[quality assurance]] as well as deep knowledge of the [[automotive electronics]] market and strong applications expertise. SensorDynamics as a company had been operational as such since 2003, although the nucleus of the team worked together in prior companies since the 1990s.

== Quality and environmental management ==

As SensorDynamics was also providing sensitive integrated products and systems to the automotive market, the quality and environmental management system was based on the [[ISO/TS16949]] and [[ISO 14001]] standard.

SensorDynamics satisfied all automotive quality requirements (i.e. [[ISO/TS16949]], [[ISO 14001]], [[IEC61508]], [[ISO 26262]], [[Automotive Electronics Council|AEC]] Q100).

== Key Investorsinvestors ==

* [http://www.i4g.at I4G Investment GmbH] (2003 - 2011);

* [http://www.siemensventurecapital.com Siemens Venture Capital] (2004 - 2011);

* [http://www.dewb-vc.com DEWB] (2004 - 2011);

* [http://www.sfg.at Steirische Beteiligungsfinanzierungsgesellschaft mbH] (2004 -2011);

* [http://www.pontiscapitalfidura.atde PONTISFIDURA CapitalPrivate Equity Fonds] (2007 - 2011);

* [http://www.geppontiscapital.at GlobalPONTIS Equity PartnersCapital] (20042007 - 20092011);

* [http://www.awsggep.at AustriaGlobal WirtschaftsserviceEquity GmbHPartners] (20032004 - 20112009);

* [http://www.ffgawsg.at/en AustrianAustria ResearchWirtschaftsservice Promotion Agency (FFG)GmbH] (20042003 - today2011);

* [http://www.ffg.at/en Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)] (2004 - today);

== References ==

{{reflist}}

== Additional References ==

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090504031654/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=11499525 BusinessWeek]

*[[:de:DEWB#Beteiligungen|DEWB]]

* [https://archive.today/20130201064212/http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS76150+12-Mar-2009+BW20090312 SensorDynamics Launches Gyroscope for Industrial, Medical and Consumer Applications]

*[http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=11499525 BusinessWeek]

* [http://www.isit.fraunhofer.de/de/Aktuelles/MAXIM.html Fraunhofer ISIT mit neuem Kooperationspartner für Inertialsensorik]

*[http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS76150+12-Mar-2009+BW20090312 SensorDynamics Launches Gyroscope for Industrial, Medical and Consumer Applications]

* [http://www.isit.fraunhofer.de/de/Aktuelles/20050916_isit_und_sd_setzen_neue_massstaebe.html Das Fraunhofer ISIT und die SensorDynamics AG setzen bei der Entwicklung und Fertigung komplexer Mikrosysteme neue Maßstäbe]

*[http://www.audix.com/_en/01_audix/03_ir/01_irnews_detail.aspx?ID=5 SensorDynamics and Audix Corporation sign Greater China business development agreement]

* [http://www.isit.fraunhofer.de/de/Aktuelles/20080416_intelligente_Bewegungssensorik.html ISIT präsentiert auf der Hannover Messe: Intelligente Bewegungssensorik für die Automobilindustrie]

{{DEFAULTSORT:SensorDynamics}}

[[Category:CompaniesSemiconductor companies of Austria]]

[[Category:Electronics companies]]

[[Category:Fabless semiconductor companies]]

[[Category:2011 mergers and acquisitions]]

[[de:SensorDynamics]]