Business Details
36 Years
experience
Custom Mixed-Signal ASIC Design Solutions
Founded in 1990, Black Forest Engineering has established itself as a leader in custom mixed-signal ASIC design and sensor readout solutions. Our expertise spans infrared, visible, and X-ray detector technologies, with a proven track record in delivering innovative designs for challenging applications. We specialize in pixel-based sensor readouts, camera integration, and radiation-hardened circuits, serving commercial, academic, and defense sectors. Our team leverages over 30 years of experience and partnerships with leading foundries to develop cutting-edge solutions for LIDAR, medical diagnostics, and space exploration.With state-of-the-art tools, an internal IP library, and on-site testing capabilities, we provide full lifecycle support from specification to qualification. Our ITAR compliance and DDTC registration ensure secure collaboration with U.S. defense contractors. We pride ourselves on solving complex engineering challenges through customized chip designs, fixed-price projects, and expert consultations, maintaining a relentless focus on quality and customer success.
Services
ASIC Design
Sensor Readout Circuits
LIDAR Technology
IR Camera Systems
Radiation-Hardened Circuits
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of experience in custom ASIC design
- State-of-the-art toolset and internal IP library
- Direct partnerships with 15+ silicon foundries
- ITAR compliance and DDTC-registered facility
- On-site wafer probe testing capabilities
Services
Custom ASIC Design
We create fully customized application-specific integrated circuits from specification to packaged parts. Our engineers deliver solutions for non-standard requirements using advanced CMOS, BiCMOS, and radiation-hardened processes. Clients benefit from our 30+ years of experience in pixel-based sensor readouts and high-speed analog circuits.
Sensor Readout Circuits
Specializing in infrared, visible, and X-ray detector readouts with resolutions up to 20-bit. Our ROICs support applications in medical imaging, space exploration, and defense systems. We integrate micro-power ADCs and radiation-tolerant designs for extreme environments.
LIDAR Technology
Developing cutting-edge LIDAR detectors and time-to-digital converters for automotive automation and military rangefinding. Our 2GHz analog bandwidth CMOS circuits enable precise distance measurements. Partnering with Luminar Technologies to advance autonomous vehicle safety systems.
IR Camera Systems
Designing ultra-lightweight long-wave infrared cameras consuming less than 1 watt. Our micro and nano-sized modules enable compact thermal imaging solutions for firefighting, automotive, and space applications. The Blackfire camera system demonstrates our miniaturization capabilities.
Radiation-Hardened Circuits
Creating radiation-tolerant integrated circuits for space and nuclear environments. Our designs operate reliably in high-energy particle conditions using specialized processes from Honeywell and other foundries. Qualified for Mars Climate Sounder and other space missions.
People
Steve Gaalema
Founder
Steve Gaalema founded Black Forest Engineering in 1990 after working at IBM's semiconductor division. With over 35 years of experience in mixed-signal IC design, he has led the development of 350+ custom chips. His expertise spans radiation-hardened circuits and sensor readout systems for space applications.
Questions
What ASIC design services do you offer?
We provide full-cycle ASIC design from specifications to packaged parts, including radiation-hardened circuits, sensor readouts, and high-speed analog components using CMOS, BiCMOS, and specialty processes.
Do you work with defense contractors?
Yes, we're DDTC-registered and ITAR-compliant, supporting U.S. defense projects with secure design and manufacturing processes for sensitive applications.
What sensor technologies do you support?
We specialize in infrared, visible, and X-ray detector readouts, including thermopile, QWIP, and CMOS image sensors with resolutions up to 20-bit.
Can you develop custom test systems?
Yes, we create tailored test solutions including cryogenic wafer probing, FPGA-based interfaces, and high-density interconnect systems for complex IC validation.
What LIDAR applications do you support?
Our LIDAR expertise includes automotive automation and military rangefinding systems with 2GHz analog bandwidth CMOS circuits for precise distance measurement.
Do you handle space-qualified designs?
Yes, we've developed radiation-hardened circuits for Mars missions and other space applications, including the Mars Climate Sounder's thermopile readout system.
