Taiwan chip maker picks ParthusCeva


26 Feb 2003

Leading Taiwanese semiconductor company Macronix has chosen ParthusCeva’s Bluetooth platform, BlueStream, to power mobile electronic devices.

Under the licensing agreement’s terms, Macronix will use BlueStream to develop a Bluetooth-enabled chip, which it will then license to third-party manufacturers to develop bluetooth-enabled gear. The first product from the agreement is slated to be a Bluetooth-enabled headset, due for launch within six months.

Macronix is a fabless semiconductor developer with revenues of approximately US$450m. Through its agreement with ParthusCeva, it hopes to grab a share of the growing market for bluetooth chips. Bluetooth is a wireless communications standard that allows electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, PCs, printers and personal digital assistants to share data without using cables.

Research Group In-Stat/MDR revealed that Bluetooth shipments hit 35 million by the end of 2002, with compound annual growth forecast at 118pc between 2001 and 2006.

“The Asian market is clearly leading the way in next generation wireless adoption and device innovation,” said Gerry Maguire, general manager of wireless technologies at ParthusCeva. “The addition of Macronix as a lead customer in Taiwan adds to our expanding presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Bluetooth is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative wireless markets. Deploying our BlueStream IP delivers the fastest time-to-market for companies targeting this high-growth market.”

The value of the deal with Macronix was not disclosed but it is believed that the licensing revenues ParthusCeva earns will include a royalty payment for every Bluetooth chip used to make a Bluetooth-enabled device.

By John Kennedy