ST buys Reading-based 802.11 chipset design firmRichard WilsonSTMicroelectronics has acquired UK-based wireless-LAN developer Synad Technologies for an undisclosed sum.
The Reading-based firm has a team of more than 50 engineers carrying out RF and digital IC design for IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN products.
It was founded in 2000 by an initial investment from Celtic House Venture Partners with follow on investments from a syndicate comprising: Alta Partners, Alta Berkeley, Celtic House, Frontiers and Rendex.
ST has plans to immediately take a Synad designed dual-mode wireless-LAN chipset and manufacture it in its fabs. It will bundle Synad’s wireless-LAN technology with its existing broadband access products.
According to Johan Danneels, general manager of ST’s telecom group: “Through the acquisition of Synad and the integration of their outstanding engineering team, we will be able to strengthen our internal wireless-LAN connectivity developments.”
The chipmaker has been collaborating with Synad for some time.
According to Mike Baker, CEO of Synad, there will be significant benefit from combining its silicon design experise with ST’s production, system-on-chip capability and broad range of IP.
“Besides that, ST’s strong relationships with major OEMs will make our technology reach volumes and applications hardly achievable as a stand-alone company,” added Baker.
Synad’s key wireless-LAN product is its Mercury chipset which can allow a single wireless-LAN transceiver to implement a dual-mode 2.4/5GHz access point without compromising performance.