Invensense

Invensense, established in 2003 by Steve Nasiri, operates as a pivotal designer and manufacturer of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor-on-chip solutions. Nasiri, an engineer with degrees from UC Berkeley, San Jose State University, and Santa Clara University, founded the company with his own seed money, leveraging his extensive experience in semiconductors and a background as a serial entrepreneur. His development of the "Nasiri Fabrication process" was foundational, creating a method to bond an ASIC wafer to a MEMS wafer, which enabled the production of smaller, more accurate, and cost-effective sensors.

The company's business model is centered on a fabless manufacturing strategy, allowing it to focus on the design and sale of high-performance, integrated MEMS solutions while outsourcing production. Invensense primarily serves original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across a wide array of markets, including consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, and the Internet of Things (IoT). A significant milestone in the company's history was its initial public offering in November 2011, which valued the company at nearly $800 million. Subsequently, in December 2016, the Japanese electronics giant TDK Corporation announced its acquisition of Invensense for approximately $1.3 billion, a deal that was completed in May 2017, making Invensense a wholly-owned subsidiary within TDK's newly formed Sensor Systems Business Company.

Invensense's product portfolio is comprehensive, featuring MotionTracking® systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) that integrate multi-axis gyroscopes, accelerometers, and sometimes magnetometers (compasses). These products provide precise tracking of motion, orientation, and vibration. The company's offerings extend to audio solutions with its SmartSound™ MEMS microphones, ultrasonic sensors through its SmartSonic™ line, and environmental sensors like barometric pressure and gas sensors. Its technology has been integrated into a multitude of high-volume products, including the Nintendo Wii, Apple's iPhone 6, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. The firm's solutions are engineered for a variety of applications, such as optical image stabilization in cameras, navigation systems, augmented and virtual reality devices, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Keywords: MEMS sensors, motion tracking, sensor-on-chip, gyroscopes, accelerometers, fabless semiconductor, consumer electronics, automotive sensors, IoT sensors, TDK Group