In brief: RF Micro Devices, CyOptics, GaN research
RFMD ramps transmit modules RFIC manufacturer RF Micro Devices (RFMD) has begun shipping integrated transmit modules to "multiple" handset manufacturers.
The modules combine RFMD's existing power amplifier (PA) technology with GaAs PHEMT switches, thus increasing the company's content in handsets by 20%.
RFMD has a PHEMT supply deal with the UK company Filtronic Compound Semiconductors, which manufactures the devices at its GaAs fab in Newton Aycliffe.
"RFMD is currently forecasting an aggressive ramp of our highly-integrated quad-band transmit modules in support of multiple handset manufacturers," said Eric Creviston, the company's VP of cellular products.
"In fact, we expect this ramp will be among the fastest product launches in RFMD's history. We expect market leadership in transmit modules by the end of 2006."
CyOptics backed by new financier
InP optical component manufacturer CyOptics has completed its latest funding round with $3 million from Birchmere Ventures.
Birchmere's Sean Sebastian, who now takes a seat on the CyOptics board, said, "We looked at dozens of optical companies at the height of the telecom bubble, but shied away because we couldn't reliably discern the likely winners."
"With recovery under way and manufacturing consolidation, we're confident CyOptics will continue to widen its established lead in the market," he added.
CyOptics acquired its InP manufacturing business from TriQuint Semiconductor earlier this year.
Research team ponders GaN-organic hybrid devices
As part of a $14.8 million award from the National Science Foundation, a research group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UWM) is to look into the feasibility of hybrid electronic devices built from both organic and inorganic materials.
A team working at UWM's Materials Research Science and Engineering Center will study the interfaces between traditional semiconductors such as GaN and organic molecules.
It is hoped that the research could eventually lead to more efficient devices for lighting and advanced chemical and biological sensors.
