Tag Archives: Atmel

Atmel exits metal mesh

February 9, 2015

On February 4th, 2015, Atmel announced it decided to exit the XSense (Metal mesh type ITO-replacement) business.

It’s sad to see Atmel closing the Xsense fab in Colorado. I actually toured the XSense cleanroom in Colorado fab in November 2013.

As we wrote three months ago, in our “ITO-replacement: non-ITO transparent conductor technology and market forecast report”, 4th edition, “Metal mesh transparent conductor is facing obstacles due to optical and yield issues. Metal mesh manufacturers need to consider new strategies to increase market share.”

Figure. ITO replacement report 4th edition

ITO replacement 4th edition cover

Source: Touch Display Research, November 2014.

This report profiles over 220 companies and research institutes working on advanced transparent conductive (TC) materials and provides a detailed analysis of metal mesh, carbon nano tube (CNT), conductive polymer, silver nanowire, graphene, and other technologies.

Thanks for reading,

Jennifer and team

Atmel XSense fab tour in Colorado Spring

November 5, 2013

Atmel XSense is one of the metal mesh types ITO-replacement transparent conductor for touch panel. Atmel announced mass production of XSense in early 2013. The first design-win is the ASUS’s tablet PC.

I recently interviewed Atmel’s director Mr. Rusty Stapp, he showed me the ASUS tablet PC, several new demos and different size XSense touch sensors: flat or curved.

Atmel invited me for a fab tour of their XSense fab this week. I’m in Colorado Spring currently, and I’m very excited and looking forward for the fab tour tomorrow.

Thanks for reading,

Jennifer