MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS), a leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display technology and Intersil Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: ISIL), a world leader in the design and manufacture of high performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors, today announced an agreement to partner on the development of advanced, integrated chipsets (ASICS) for MicroVision’s patented high definition (HD) PicoP® display technology. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the technology and business roadmap for PicoP display technology by:

• integrating advanced features such as virtual touch and proximity sensing
• increasing brightness
• reducing power consumption and component size
• lowering the cost of the overall solution

The combination of increased brightness, low power consumption and small component size together with HD resolution produces a highly efficient projection solution that makes PicoP display technology an optimal choice for embedding in mobile devices. Under the agreement announced today, Intersil will invest in developing the ASICs supporting the solution based on MicroVision’s reference design.

“MicroVision is pleased to partner with Intersil to progress our award winning PicoP display technology on its roadmap, and to work with a strategic supply chain partner that is providing strong marketing and distribution support as well as best in class components,” said Alexander Tokman, president and CEO of MicroVision. “The development and marketing investments Intersil is making in this partnership demonstrate its belief in the pico projection market and MicroVision’s patented solution.”

“Our collaboration with MicroVision demonstrates Intersil’s commitment to the pico projector market to provide compelling solutions for embedded applications,” said Dave Bell, president and CEO of Intersil. “We believe the combination of our chipset and MicroVision’s advanced PicoP display capabilities with game changing features will have great appeal in a broad range of emerging pico projector devices.”

MicroVision’s PicoP display technology, now in its second generation (PicoP Gen2), produces always-in-focus, HD images using the company’s patented scanned beam approach. OEMs and ODMs can receive samples of PicoP Gen2 display engines today. One of the distinguishing features of PicoP display technology is its “beyond projection” features such as interactive touch that could enable the development of applications that extend the use model of mobile devices for business and entertainment. Companies that license MicroVision’s display technology now will have early access to the significant advances enabled by the electronics being developed under this strategic agreement.