News Article
Qualcomm & Sharp To Invigorate LCD Displays
The displays will incorporate Sharp's IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) technology and be built utilising existing LCD manufacturing infrastructure, and Qualcomm’s equity investment in Sharp.
Qualcomm is expanding its display technology agreement between its subsidiary Pixtronix, Inc. and Sharp Corporation to develop and commercialise high-quality colour, low-power MEMS displays.
As a result of the equity investment, Qualcomm will become a minority shareholder in Sharp.
Qualcomm’s equity investment in Sharp and the expanded joint development agreement build upon the existing work between Sharp and Pixtronix; the two companies have been engaged in development activities for the last year and a half.
The goal of this joint effort is to accelerate commercialisation of Pixtronix’s low power MEMS displays utilising Sharp’s IGZO technology.
The equity investment by Qualcomm will take place in stages and the consummation of the transaction is subject to certain contingencies.
“As one of the leading electronics companies in the world, Sharp has an established industry brand and is a recognised leader in the development and commercialisation of new innovative display technologies,” says Derek Aberle, executive vice president and group president of Qualcomm.
“Expanding our existing relationship with Sharp to jointly commercialize new MEMS display technologies will help both companies realise their shared goal of driving high performance, lower power displays for a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.”
“Sharp has brought many innovations to the display industry, including the world’s first commercialisation of IGZO technology in LCD displays this year,” adds Yoshisuke Hasegawa, executive managing officer of Sharp Corporation. “Sharp is targeting to accelerate the commercialisation of MEMS displays by combining Sharp’s cutting-edge IGZO technology and Pixtronix’s MEMS display technology.”
