TDK has agreed to acquire Chirp Microsystems, a developer of ultrasonic sensing solutions, and has concluded a joint development agreement with StoreDot Ltd., an Israeli startup that develops fast-charging technology for lithium-ion batteries.
TDK believes the acquisition of Chirp Microsystems will enhance its existing technology in fingerprint sensors. TDK aims to be the leader in the ultrasonic MEMS sensors and solutions market.
Chirp is engaged in high-performance ultrasonic sensors featuring smaller sizes and lower power consumption compared with existing sensors. Chirp's solutions are expected to find broader applications, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), in addition to areas such as smartphones, automobiles, industrial machinery and other ICT applications.
TDK said that the addition of Chirp's ultrasonic sensor solutions in combination to the existing fingerprint sensors offered by subsidiary InvenSense will significantly expand its ultrasonic sensor solutions.
TDK said the acquisition will further accelerate its sensor and actuator business to provide an extensive sensor product lineup including pressure, temperature, current and magnetic sensors.
Seperately, with the investment in StoreDot, TDK aims to commercialize StoreDot's fast-charging technology.
StoreDot was founded in Herzliya, Israel, in 2012. The company's fast-charging "flash battery technology" makes it possible to charge a smartphone in approximately five minutes.
This investment is also an outcome of it's global R&D, in which TDK seeks to expand its activities in major regions of the world. In addition to fundamental research in Japan, TDK promotes R&D activities in the U.S., Europe, and China, mainly in applied research.