RF Micro Devices is working with ZigBee wireless chip specialist Ember to target the smart metering market.
"Large-scale smart energy projects are forecast to grow rapidly, with particular demand anticipated in low-power wireless IC technologies like ZigBee,” said Bob Van Buskirk, president of RFMD's multi-market products group
This is part of RFMD’s plan to expand its RF device business outside of its core mobile communications market.
“These diversification efforts highlight the embedded value in our strategic mission to extend our leadership in RF components and compound semiconductors into multiple industries," said Van Buskirk.
The companies have introduced front end wireless modules for ZigBee communications links in utility meters, but they can also be used in wider industrial communications applications.
RFMD's RF6525, RF6515, and RF6535 ZigBee modules are designed to operate with the Ember EM300 series ARM Cortex-M3 based system-on-chip (SoC) device and other networking chips.
US-based Ember has its IC design centre in Cambridge.
See also: Sequoia adds ZigBee line for smart energy push