An MPEG decoder and PCB x-ray system were two of the UK
developed technologies winning Queen's Award for Enterprise this
week.
Winners in the innovation category included Dage Precision
Industries for its PCB x-ray system and e2v technologies, which was
recognised its magnetron design which is used in the treatment of
cancer.
Chelmsford-based e2v also helped design a CCD sensor to Andor
Technology's winning camera.
Other winners for innovation were military semiconductor
developer MBDA and Link Research for its low delay MPEG
encoder.
An encouraging number of electronics SMEs were named as winners
of international business awards. They included Wolfson
Microelectronics and Oxford Semiconductor. Over 90 per cent of
Wolfson's semiconductor business is outside the UK.
"Our export success has been achieved by forging close relations
with overseas customers," said Oxford Semiconductor's CEO James
Foster.
Also picking up export awards were Ampy Automation Digilog, a
developer of electronic electricity meters with built-in
intelligence, Bluetooth chip supplier CSR, Yorkshire-based PestWest
Electronics and Spirent Communications.
The strength of the SME sector was apparent with almost half of
this year's winners employ less than 50 people.
As many as 90 per cent of previous winners said the Award had
commercial benefits and significantly boosted staff morale.