News

2 June 2009

 

Skyworks acquires CMOS PA supplier Axiom

Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA, which manufactures linear products, power amplifiers, front-end modules and radio solutions for handset and infrastructure equipment, has announced its acquisition of fabless semiconductor company Axiom Microdevices Inc of Irvine, CA, which designs and supplies silicon CMOS-based power amplifiers (CMOS PA) and other RF semiconductor devices for GSM/GPRS-based cellular handsets. Skyworks says that Axiom is the world’s only volume supplier of CMOS-based power amplifiers for mobile phones.

Axiom says that its patented technology enables conventional CMOS to be used to realize Watt-level RF power amplifiers without the requirement for a module package, providing unique benefits in terms of reduced design complexity and bill of materials. Use of a standard high-volume CMOS process and a simple leadframe package also ensures security of supply. Axiom has been shipping high-volume production of its AX502 device to customers in Europe and Asia since the beginning of 2007. Last December, it expanded its product range with the AX508, which features improved performance and a smaller footprint.

“The acquisition of Axiom complements our existing GaAs capabilities, bolsters our fundamental intellectual property portfolio and augments our design expertise,” says Skyworks’ president & CEO David J. Aldrich. “Today Skyworks is the leading supplier of both GaAs and silicon front-end solutions for cellular and smart-phone applications. With the addition of Axiom’s patent and product design portfolio, we can further our industry leadership position,” he reckons.

“At the same time, this acquisition supports our existing product roadmaps in adjacent linear products markets, such as low-power smart grid networks and wireless meter reading, where we maintain a first-mover advantage,” Aldrich adds. “At a higher level, this transaction is another important step towards realizing our vision of enabling mobile connectivity in handsets and across a set of highly diverse analog markets.”

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but will have no significant impact to operating expenses, Skyworks says. Accordingly, the firm expects the transaction to be earnings per share neutral in fiscal 2009 and accretive thereafter.

See related items:

Skyworks’ revenue shrinks 18%, but beats guidance

Axiom shipped 10 million CMOS PAs in 2007

Search: Skyworks Axiom CMOS PAs

Visit: www.skyworksinc.com

Visit: www.axiom-micro.com