TechBlog

RF Micro Devices, Inc. (RFMD) recently announced that effective immediately RFMD is reducing its investments in wireless systems, including cellular transceivers and GPS solutions, in order to focus on core semiconductor component opportunities, including cellular front ends and other components in RFMD’s Cellular Products Group (CPG) and the expanding portfolio of semiconductor components in RFMD’s Multi-Market Products Group (MPG).

As a result, RFMD currently expects to eliminate product development expenses related to its wireless systems business by approximately $75 million this fiscal year beginning in the June 2008 quarter, with the full benefit expected to be realized in the December 2008 quarter.

Bob Bruggeworth, president and CEO of RFMD, said, “These strategic actions will enable RFMD to deliver more predictable financial results and substantially higher profitability. We are the industry leader in RF components and the world’s largest manufacturer of compound semiconductors. We are investing in growing markets where we have a demonstrated track record of success, and we will measure our progress using operating income and return on invested capital (ROIC) as key performance metrics. We anticipate steady financial improvement throughout the year, and we currently forecast at least 10% non-GAAP operating income and double-digit ROIC by the end of the calendar year.

Continue reading ‘RFMD To Eliminate Approximately $75 Million In Wireless Systems Expenses’ »

In the world of high tech, on the top everyone’s wish list are the words smaller, cheaper, and lighter. That bell rings loud and clear from the end-user down to the design and engineering teams assigned to create next generation products.

What if inexpensive, lightweight plastic were capable of conducting electricity? Thomas Aisenbrey, Inventor and General Manager for Bellingham-based Integral Technologies, may have discovered an epochal building block that has the potential to revolutionize the design world.

Moldable Conductive Plastics, or Electriplast, is a polymer blend that can be used to conduct electricity or as an antenna. In other words, this plastic advance could end up being a stand-alone replacement for metals in virtually every electronics device.

“ElectriPlast is a proprietary recipe capable of creating a vast family of highly conductive polymers,” explains CEO William Robinson. “These can be molded into virtually any shape or dimension that any other plastic, rubber, or other polymer can be molded into.”

Continue reading ‘Redefined Plastic Breaks the Manufacturing Mold’ »

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, a world leader in LED lighting technology, was presented with Electronic Products’ 2007 Product of the Year Award for its OSTAR Lighting, a 1000-lumen High Brightness LED for general lighting applications in a ceremony held at the company’s North American headquarters in Santa Clara.

Electronic Products is one of the top publications serving the electronics original equipment market and is read by over 120,000 design and development engineers every month. 2008 marks the 32nd annual presentation of its Product of the Year Awards.

“Each year, the editors of Electronic Products select what they feel are among the most significant of the thousands of new products introduced during the year,” said Murray Slovick, Editorial Director, Electronics Group, Hearst Business Media. “It is our way of recognizing excellence in product development.”

Continue reading ‘OSRAM’s 1000-lumen OSTAR LED Wins Electronic Products Magazine’s 2007 Product of the Year Award’ »