News

Agere Sells RF LDMOS Product Line to Ciclon

April 11, 2005 by Jeff Shepard

Agere Systems Inc. (Allentown, PA) reported that it has sold its RF laterally diffused, metal-oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) product line to Ciclon Semiconductor Device Corp. (Bethlehem, PA) for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition includes research and development and manufacturing assets and inventory for Agere’s ARF4 and ARF5 high-voltage LDMOS technologies. Also as part of the agreement, Agere is to license and assign critical IP and software associated with the product line to the privately held Ciclon.

The LDMOS technology is known for its ability to operate at high voltages, support high-power applications ranging in frequency from 400 MHz to 3 GHz, and has been the technology of choice in the wireless infrastructure market. The technology is also seen as a critical component in 3G technology rollout as it dominates the power amplifier space and accounts for nearly $700 million in sales each year.

"We decided to exit the RF power business as part of our plans to focus our resources on core technologies critical to the long-term success of Agere’s business," stated Agere Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Development Officer Sohail Khan.