Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen (IIS)

Short description

The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS performs contract research and development for industry and public authorities. Headed by the collegial board of directors, Professor Dr.-Ing. Heinz Gerhäuser (Executive Director) and Professor Dr.-Ing. Günter Elst, Fraunhofer IIS researchers develop microelectronic systems and devices along with the required integrated circuits and software. Established in 1985, the Erlangen-based Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in its current configuration – with locations in Nürnberg, Fürth and Dresden – ranks first among the Fraunhofer Institutes concerning headcount and revenues. Fraunhofer IIS is recognized for its research programs into microelectronics, information technology, telecommunications, audio and multimedia technology, digital radio, digital cinema, RF technology, satellite navigation, medical engineering, logistics, and mechanical and industrial automation. The researchers develop wireless communication systems, particularly digital broadcasting systems, as prototypes ready to go into commercial production. Technological ground and pillar are the audio and video coding schemes and their adoption as international standards. MP3 – the audio coding technique developed by Fraunhofer IIS – has received worldwide acclaim. Another pioneering research program is digital cinema camera technology. Image acquisition and pattern recognition technology are key elements of automated quality assurance, production automation and medical engineering – Fraunhofer IIS develops the required intelligent image sensors, high speed cameras systems and technology for ultra fine focus X-ray computer tomography.