Wireless: Motorola and IHP to Jointly Develop Unique Next Generation Wireless Technology, Silicon Germanium Carbon Enhances Performance and Reduces Cost

Cambridge Telcom Report,  May 24, 1999  

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Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector and the Institute for Semiconductor Physics (IHP), Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop a unique next-generation 0.18 micron - 0.25 micron wireless platform based on Motorola's CMOS and IHP's proprietary silicon germanium carbon (SiGeC) technologies.

The venture will allow joint research and development of a high performance, lower cost SiGe BiCMOS process technology that is targeted at the burgeoning wireless communication and networking markets. It offers the potential for system-on-chip solutions, and thus substantial cost reductions for key wireless products.

"The growing sophistication of consumer demands for wireless communication products is driving the need for ever higher performance devices," said Barry Johnson, chief technology officer and director of Embedded Systems Technology Laboratories for Motorola.

"By partnering with IHP, we are able to combine their proven excellence in silicon germanium and wireless technologies research with our wireless communications expertise to further enhance Motorola's position as the leading embedded provider of high performance, cost-effective DigitalDNA wireless solutions."

"The addition of carbon to silicon germanium significantly enhances performance and reduces cost," said IHP director Abbas Ourmazd. "The combination of Motorola's leading CMOS technology with our SiGeC process allows us to jointly develop a unique wireless process technology with breakthrough potential."

As part of the agreement, Motorola would establish a technology center in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany in order to work closely with IHP. The European Technology Center would conduct research and development, and act as the European headquarters for Motorola's Embedded Systems Technology Laboratories.

"We warmly welcome the strategic partnership between Motorola and the IHP. This partnership demonstrates how excellent research and development can attract leading high-tech companies to Germany," said Uwe Thomas, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Education and Research in Bonn.

The Institute for Semiconductor Physics (IHP) is a team of 180 R and D professionals that offers innovations for high performance microelectronics with core competence in process technology, circuit design, and systems. The IHP team develops solutions in the wireless communication, networking, and multimedia markets.

The Institute has joint R and D projects with more than 30 companies, and has a state-of-the-art cleanroom and new institute building currently under construction. By the year 2000, the IHP will have one of the most modern R&D facilities in Europe. http:www.ihp-ffo.de

As the world's No. 1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector offers multiple DigitalDNA solutions which enable its customers to create new business opportunities in the consumer, networking and computing, transportation, and wireless communications markets. Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were USDLR 7.3 billion (USD) in l998. FMI: http:sps.motorola.com

Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1998 were USDLR 29.4 (USD) billion. FMI: http:www.motorola.com

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