MIPS Technologies has announced the resignation of Jose Franca, founder of Chipidea Microelectronica, the Lisbon-based analogue and mixed signal IP firm which MIPS acquired a year ago.

Professor Franca resigned to pursue his personal interests and resume his career in academics.

“We continue to view our acquisition of Chipidea as a strategic move for MIPS that would not have been possible without Professor Franca, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” said John Bourgoin, president and CEO, MIPS Technologies.

Chipidea was a privately-held company since it was founded in February 1997 by three professors of the electronics and computer engineering department of the Technical University of Lisbon with a scientific background in analogue integrated circuit design. 

Following acquisition in August 2007, Chipidea became a newly-formed business group within MIPS Technologies, with its complete product portfolio continuing to be sold under the Chipidea brand.

Franca assumed the role of president and general manager for the new business group and was appointed a member of the board of directors for MIPS Technologies.