MICRO LINEAR SELECTS JAZZ SEMICONDUCTOR AS FOUNDRY PARTNER
FOR INDUSTRY’S FIRST 5.8GHz SINGLE CHIP FSK TRANSCEIVER
Jazz’s Advanced SiGe BiCMOS Technology and Design Platform Adopted
for Micro Linear’s Flagship Product
SAN JOSE, Calif. and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., December 02, 2003 --
Micro Linear (Nasdaq: MLIN), a developer of integrated circuit (IC) solutions for
the wireless communications market, today announced the selection of Jazz
Semiconductor as its foundry for its ML5800, the world’s first 5.8GHz
single-chip FSK transceiver. The ML5800 utilizes Jazz’s specialty
silicon germanium (SiGe) BiCMOS technology to improve transmission clarity
for cordless phones and other wireless devices.
The ML5800 operates in the 5.8GHz ISM band, which provides clear and dependable
communications even when used in close proximity to wireless local area networks
(WLAN), Bluetooth, and microwave ovens. The ML5800 provides an efficient and
effective alternative to the overcrowded 2.4GHz band. The transceiver’s
high data rate (1.5Mbps) allows for short data transfer times, low latency
and direct sequence spreading, resulting in reduced interference problems
and increased battery life. Similar to Micro Linear’s 900MHz and 2.4GHz
fully integrated transceivers, the ML5800 has automatic filter alignment,
which is designed to eliminate manual tuning.
"We have an aggressive schedule for the ML5800 and in searching for a
foundry partner, we required proven technology, superior processes and an
experienced team," said Brent Dix, VP of engineering at Micro Linear.
"Jazz is a world class foundry specializing in RF IC manufacturing.
Their industry expertise, responsiveness and customer services have exceeded our
expectations."
"Jazz’s low noise SiGe transistors allowed us to integrate a 5.8GHz
LNA and low phase-noise VCO on the ML5800 to achieve superior receive
sensitivity with lower power consumption. The SiGe60 process’ high-Q
inductors and high-density capacitors permitted compact layouts, which led to
small die size and lower cost. Overall development time was greatly reduced
since Jazz’s device models accurately predicted high frequency circuit
performance," added Dix.
"We are pleased to have been selected as Micro Linear’s foundry
partner," said Theodore Zhu, vice president of sales, strategy and
business development for Jazz Semiconductor. " We are committed to the
first pass success of our customers and are proud to work with Micro Linear,
a company that is introducing innovative technology to the marketplace. We
look forward to an ongoing, successful partnership with Micro Linear."
Initially positioned for the Digital Cordless Telephone market, the ML5800 is
currently sampling to key accounts and is expected to be released to the general
market in Q1 of 2004. With its high integration, low cost, and high data rate,
Micro Linear believes the ML5800 transceiver is an efficient solution for consumer
wireless streaming audio, video, and high data rate data applications.
About Micro Linear
Micro Linear Corporation is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high
data rate wireless integrated circuit solutions. These transceivers can be used in
streaming wireless applications such as cordless phones, wireless speakers and
headphones, security cameras, game controllers, headsets and other personal
electronic appliances. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Micro Linear’s
products are available through its authorized representatives and distributors
worldwide. To learn more, visit
www.microlinear.com.
About Jazz Semiconductor
Jazz Semiconductor is an independent semiconductor wafer foundry that specializes in
mixed-signal and radio frequency (RF) technologies for use in wireless communications,
optical networking, power management and other ultra-high performance applications.
The company, based in Newport Beach, California, was founded in March of 2002 as a
privately held company with the Carlyle Group as the majority shareholder.
Jazz expands on the offerings of a traditional pure play foundry by focusing on
mixed signal and RF technology processes, design platforms, and experienced
engineering support. To learn more, visit
www.jazzsemi.com.
Micro Linear Contact
Mark Jakusovszky
(408) 428-6531
markj@microlinear.com
Jazz Contact
Jeff McHenry
Executive Director, Marketing.
(949) 435-8245
jeff.mchenry@jazzsemi.com
Jazz Media Contact
Kerry Fedro
(949) 453-8080
kerry@lages.com
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