ABLIC Inc., a MinebeaMitsumi Group company specializing in analog semiconductors, is expanding its semiconductor business for ultrasound applications in the medical sector. Following the completion of the acquisition of Socionext Inc.'s medical business in December 2024, Socionext Inc., known for its Solution SoC (System-on-Chip) business, brings proven LSI technology and comprehensive medical system design expertise to ABLIC's portfolio.
Socionext's competitive strength comes from its in-depth system knowledge, combining firmware development with LSI technology, and its advanced receiver technology for high-definition image generation. Through this strategic acquisition, this allows ABLIC to enhance its lineup of transmitter and receiver ICs for ultrasound equipment.
Business Evolution in Medical Business
ABLIC's medical device semiconductor business traces its roots to 2016 when it acquired related operations from Hitachi, Ltd. The company has since focused on transmitter ICs and high-voltage switch ICs as key devices for ultrasound diagnostic equipment.
The recent Socionext business acquisition complements ABLIC's transmitter technology expertise with receiver capabilities. Notably, the deal brings not only LSI technology but also system design capabilities including firmware and high-resolution image generation technology. This integration enables ABLIC to offer comprehensive solutions for various ultrasound equipment applications.
Mobile Medical Solution "viewphii" Series
Leveraging the combined strengths from the Socionext acquisition, ABLIC is expanding business operations for the developed “viewphii“ series, a breakthrough in ultrasound technology solution, enabling manufacturers to create the next generation of wireless medical devices. These specialized LSI chipsets integrate critical ultrasound functions into an efficient package, turning complex imaging requirements into a streamlined solution.
The LSIs tackle three key challenges in portable ultrasound design: power consumption, size, and operating time. By consolidating essential imaging functions into optimized chipsets, manufacturers can develop wireless ultrasound systems that are not only compact and lightweight but also operate for extended periods on battery power.
Expanding Applications with “Small, Smart, Simple" Expertise
ABLIC developed analog semiconductor technology through decades of experience since creating the world's first mass-produced CMOS IC for quartz watches in 1968. This expertise in low-power consumption and ultra-compact packaging technologies aligns with ABLIC's corporate vision, "Inspiring customers with our ‘Small, Smart, Simple' analog semiconductor solutions”.
Satoshi Hanazawa, Senior Vice President and CPO(Chief Product Officer) says, “Moving forward, the company plans to accelerate development of highly integrated mixed-signal solutions combining analog and digital circuit technologies. ABLIC's strategy focuses on high-value-added product development that incorporates peripheral digital circuit technology into analog semiconductors, which are ABLIC's strength. Through these initiatives, ABLIC aims to expand its medical-related business, which is one of our core business, to three times its current sales scale over the next five years.”
ABLIC's ultrasound solutions are highly anticipated not only in the medical field but also across various other industries. The company is committed to creating a better future through applications such as sonar detection systems, non-destructive testing equipment for natural environment preservation, infrastructure preventive maintenance and effective utilization.
While strengthening its position in the ultrasound device market, the company is strategically expanding into new market such as sonar detection systems and non-destructive testing equipment—markets that demand the highest levels of signal processing precision.
*** ABLIC will participate in “Medtec Japan,” held from April 9 to 11, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight.
This event brings together suppliers from the medical device industry—especially those involved in design and manufacturing—with researchers and developers from medical device companies in Japan and internationally.
For more details, please see the “Medtec Japan” page.
For further inquiries, contact ABLIC here.
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