Microsignal / Photo IC
PHOTODETECTION × ANALOG DESIGN
World-class photodetector ICs.
Microsignal is a fabless semiconductor manufacturer specializing in photodetector ICs that convert light into electrical signals. We select the optimal process from semiconductor foundries around the world and design full-custom ICs built to your exact specifications.
01
We focus exclusively on photodetector ICs that convert light into electrical signals. Our patented technology, which integrates world-class low-capacitance photodetector elements with on-chip circuitry, has earned multiple awards and delivers a decisive performance advantage.
02
With no factories of our own, we concentrate entirely on design. For each product, we select the optimal manufacturing process from semiconductor foundries around the world.
03
Every product can be fully customized. This makes possible full-custom photodetector IC development from small volumes, something larger manufacturers cannot offer.
Recognition
Our proprietary design technology, which integrates photodetector elements and analog circuitry on a single chip, has been objectively recognized through public awards and grants.
2025
GRANT
2019
AWARD
2018
AWARD
Article in Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun
Resona Foundation (organizer)
Product Lineup
We develop processing algorithms tailored to each customer's requirements and carry out IC design and development, offering full-custom IC development as a semiconductor full-turnkey service.
By working with semiconductor foundries around the world, we can deliver products built on state-of-the-art LSI processes, an established business model as a fabless semiconductor manufacturer.
All products are available as full-custom designs. Some characteristic values are preliminary.
Frequency 1 MHz
0.7 mm × 0.7 mm × 2 detector
Frequency 100 kHz
Low noise −95 dBm (0.3 pW TYP)
×1/×2/×4/×8 multiplication
Up to 2400 ppr
Frequency 100 MHz
1.5 mm × 1.5 mm detector
RX 15/50/250 Mbps
TX IC and LED driver IC
Proprietary dot-diffusion structure
Award-winning low-capacitance technology
High-accuracy pulse wave measurement
Demo video available
Optical modules
Integrated photodetection system design
| Product | Overview | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Detector IC for Optoelectronic Switch | A photo diode IC that outputs the presence or absence of an incident light signal and the amount of light as a voltage waveform. Performance is improved compared to other companies' products: 5X faster, more than double the S/N, and no external shield required. | Frequency 1 MHz / High linearity / Low noise / Resistant to external electromagnetic noise / Light-receiving surface (0.7 mm × 0.7 mm × 2 pieces) |
| Short Distance Optical Wireless IC (High Speed Photo IC) | A photo IC that outputs incident light as a voltage waveform. Our original photodetector makes low capacitance and low noise possible. Contains a coupling capacitor for cutting DC and therefore removes noise interference. | Frequency 100 MHz / High linearity / Low noise: noise equivalent power level −44 dBm (45 nW TYP), with external 100 MHz LPF / Light-receiving area size 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm |
Technology & R&D
Microsignal owns no fabrication plants. We concentrate on design and, for each product, select the optimal manufacturing process from semiconductor foundries around the world. This approach makes possible what larger manufacturers cannot offer: full-custom photodetector ICs from small volumes.
Our proprietary design technology, which integrates photodetector elements and analog circuitry on a single chip, has been objectively recognized by awards including the Kyoto Technology Grand Prize.
Spectral Sensitivity Range 400–1600 nm
From visible light to near infrared. Ranges shown are samples.
Search by Application
Photo Detector IC for Optoelectronic Switch / Encoder Photo IC
Photo IC for Fiber Amplifier / Fiber Communication IC
High Speed Photo IC / Dot Photo Diode
Pulse Wave Sensor
Corporate Profile
From Kyoto to foundries worldwide.
A semiconductor manufacturer specializing in photodetector IC design.
| Company Name | Microsignal Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | マイクロシグナル株式会社 |
| Address | 207 Ichida Shinjujo, Kumiyama-cho, Kuse-gun, Kyoto 613-0022, Japan |
| TEL | +81-774-43-7730 |
| Business | Design and development of photodetector ICs and photodiodes (fabless semiconductor manufacturer) |
You do not need finalized specifications. We will work with you on the design of the entire photodetection system.
