SiLC partners with Cloud Light for volume manufacturing of Eyeonic vision sensors

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SiLC Technologies, a specialist in silicon photonics, has signed a manufacturing partnership agreement with Cloud Light Technology, a manufacturer of optical modules for automotive and datacentre interconnect applications.

The agreement will see Cloud Light deliver volume manufacturing of SiLC’s Eyeonic Vision sensors, which provide accurate depth, instantaneous velocity and dual-polarization intensity.

SiLC’s Eyeonic Vision Sensor is said to be a first-of-its-kind FMCW LiDAR transceiver. At the nexus of the Eyeonic Vision Sensor is SiLC's silicon photonic chip which integrates FMCW LiDAR functionality into a single, tiny chip.

Representing decades of silicon photonics innovation, this chip is currently the only readily-integratable solution for manufacturers building the next generation of autonomous vehicles, security solutions and industrial robots.

Cloud Light’s capabilities in optical module design, high volume precision assembly, testing, and reliability engineering complement SiLC’s manufacturing ecosystem, which includes its proprietary and mature chip fabrication process with another major ecosystem partner in Asia. Early sample shipments and the transition to volume production are expected this year.

“To integrate all of the functionalities needed for a coherent LiDAR into a single photonic chip is a complex art that takes many years to master,” said Dr. Mehdi Asghari, SiLC’s CEO and founder. “The combination of precision optical assembly and automotive capabilities make Cloud Light an ideal partner for manufacturing our vision sensors. All modules that we ship to customers this year will be made by SiLC’s mature manufacturing ecosystem and led by Cloud Light.”

“Cloud Light provides design capabilities and manufacturing excellence for advanced optical modules,” noted Dr. Dennis Tong, CEO and founder of Cloud Light. “Our automated assembly and test platform for silicon photonics enables SiLC to ramp up volume and scale its products to the automotive industry and beyond. We’re excited to work with the world’s leading 4D LiDAR chip supplier, together we offer a very unique value proposition to the market.”