Sofradir and ATD Electronique sign European distribution agreement

Sofradir has entered into a distribution partnership with ATD Electronique to extend the European customer base for Sofradir’s Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) detectors based on infrared InGaAs (Indium Gallium Arsenide) technology.

European customers using Sofradir's InGaAs image detectors will now have the option to receive design support and supply-chain management services from ATD Electronique, a renowned distributor of leading brand name innovative electronic components and CMOS image sensors.

Sofradir’s high-speed and low-noise InGaAs SWIR detectors are ideally suited to industrial applications, such as machine vision, where superior techniques are required to support increased production needs and faster inspection speeds. Other typical applications include: semiconductor inspection, sorting of agricultural products, chemical purity analysis, recycling and hot process monitoring for the glass or metal industries. This list is rapidly growing as industrial manufacturers increasingly solve challenges by using SWIR to go beyond the limits of conventional visible light cameras.

“Sofradir is pleased to partner with ATD Electronique in offering customers a new fully comprehensive technical and logistical support package to integrate InGaAs detectors,” said Frederic Aubrun, VP of sales at Sofradir. “The capacity of our products to meet increasing needs for wider scopes of vision, combined with ATD’s know-how and experience in working with key manufacturers across Europe, constitute a high added value resource. Our aim is to provide customers with the right solutions and quality service they need to differentiate and improve their market competitiveness.”

Sofradir, the world’s largest supplier of infrared (IR) detectors, annually produces approximately 8,000 IR detectors with unit numbers steadily rising. Its InGaAs SWIR products generate significant interest in various industrial and surveillance applications due to their leading edge performance. ATD will help Sofradir address market requirements for quick turnaround technical support, end-to-end imaging system expertise and to shorten procurement cycles.

“ATD Electronique is pleased to add Sofradir's InGaAs high-performance sensors to its portfolio. This will offer our customers additional innovative products to make them more creative and market competitive,” said Antoine Hide, CEO of ATD Electronique. "With SWIR sensors, the invisible becomes visible. This new imaging ability gives rise to pioneering industrial vision applications. We are proud that Sofradir trusts us to promote their long-term InGaAs technology in Europe.”