ThermaView℠: Redefining Thermal Imaging Technologies for High-Impact Applications


By Ross Miller, SVP Commercial and A&D Business

SkyWater recently unveiled ThermaView Solutions, a new brand that redefines what’s possible in thermal imaging. This launch is more than just a product announcement; it’s a milestone in our commitment to innovation and solving complex challenges for industries such as aerospace, defense, industrial automation, automotive, and medical devices.

Thermal imaging is no longer a niche capability—it’s a cornerstone of innovation, enabling advancements in safety, energy efficiency, and healthcare. With ThermaView, SkyWater is stepping up to meet these challenges head-on, offering solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of today’s most demanding applications.

Solutions for Focal Plane Arrays and ROIC Development

ThermaView isn’t just a single product; it’s a suite of solutions designed to support hybridized focal plane arrays (FPAs) and monolithically fabricated microbolometer FPAs for uncooled imaging. Whether you’re designing high-sensitivity readout integrated circuits (ROICs) or exploring next-generation microbolometer applications, ThermaView Solutions delivers exceptional flexibility and performance.

S90LN: CMOS Technology Built for Thermal Imaging ROICs

Figure 1: ThermaView Solutions are tailored to the unique needs of thermal imaging designs and support read-out ICs for cooled and uncooled applications as well as microbolometer development and production services

 

At the heart of this platform is S90LN, SkyWater’s advanced 90nm CMOS technology tailored for ROIC applications. S90LN enables ROIC designs to support FPAs with low-noise performance, high dynamic range, and scalable pixel pitch, ensuring they can meet the demands of everything from mission-critical defense systems to precision medical devices. Unlike general ASIC platforms that require workarounds, S90LN is purpose-built for ROIC designers, eliminating compromises and enabling best-in-class performance.

ThermaView Solutions also support custom microbolometer development and production, offering designers the ability to monolithically integrate ROICs with microbolometers. This capability allows for seamless design optimization and faster time-to-market.

Bridging Market Gaps and Meeting Emerging Thermal Imaging Demands

The thermal imaging industry is evolving rapidly, yet traditional solutions often leave designers with limited options. Many foundries provide CMOS platforms that were never intended for ROIC applications, forcing designers to accept workarounds that compromise performance. With ThermaView Solutions, SkyWater is changing the game by delivering technology and services designed specifically to meet the unique requirements of thermal imaging systems.

This shift comes at a crucial time. As autonomous vehicles, energy efficiency initiatives, and healthcare diagnostics drive new demands for thermal imaging, the need for tailored solutions has never been greater. ThermaView addresses these emerging demands ensuring that designers have the tools they need to create impactful solutions across industries.

Real-World Applications Powered by ThermaView

The versatility of the ThermaView solutions is evident in its ability to support designers in creating ROICs tailored to meet the demands of diverse industries. In defense and aerospace, where reliability is critical, ThermaView enables the development of high-performance ROICs for thermal imaging systems used in situational awareness and targeting. These systems can operate in extreme environments, making them indispensable for mission-critical applications.

In industrial automation, designers can leverage ThermaView’s solutions to create ROICs for real-time thermal monitoring, enabling predictive maintenance and process optimization. This helps reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency. Similarly, in the automotive sector, the evolution of safety systems like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) depends on advanced thermal imaging technologies. By providing solutions optimized for high-performance microbolometers and ROICs, ThermaView empowers designers to meet these regulatory and performance challenges.

Thermal imaging’s impact extends to healthcare, where it supports the creation of ROICs for applications like early diagnostics, wearable health monitoring, and advanced medical imaging systems. Sustainability initiatives also benefit from the thermal imaging innovations enabled by ThermaView, including detecting heat loss in buildings, optimizing solar panel performance, and improving energy efficiency.

Why Choose SkyWater for Your Next Thermal Imaging Project?

SkyWater’s approach sets ThermaView apart. As a secure, U.S.-based Trusted foundry, we provide the confidence and reliability needed by the defense and aerospace industries. But it’s not just about security—it’s about collaboration. We work closely with our customers to co-create solutions that meet their specific needs, delivering a level of customization that off-the-shelf alternatives simply can’t match.

Future Enhancements: What’s Next for ThermaView

While ThermaView is already setting new standards in domestic thermal imaging technology development, we’re not stopping here. SkyWater is planning a series of enhancements to the S90LN platform, including improved noise performance, yield, and reliability. These updates which will be qualified and released to the market through 2025 and 2026 will enable FPAs with even greater sensitivity, dynamic range, and mission lifetimes.

We’re also expanding our focus to include derivatives of the S90LN platform tailored for high-volume automotive and industrial applications. These enhancements will not only optimize performance but also support the scalability required for these growing markets.

Collaboration is at the core of everything we do. Through our Technology as a Service business model, we’re fostering partnerships that drive innovation and bring new thermal imaging applications to life.

Join Us on the Journey

ThermaView isn’t just a product, it’s solutions designed to transform industries and solve real-world problems. Whether you’re developing cutting-edge defense systems, advancing medical diagnostics, or improving energy efficiency, ThermaView offers tools and technologies you need to succeed.

We invite you to explore the possibilities. Visit our website for more details or connect with us to learn how ThermaView can address your specific challenges. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible in thermal imaging.

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