HP - Re: " Intel's relationship with QCOM."
About three years ago, I saw an article on the net stating that Intel would act as a "foundry" for a special CPU for Qualcomm. I have searched for this - on my PC/Hard drive and the net - but can't find it.
However, a few weeks ago, a reference to this "deal" was mentioned in another article:
{====================}
Qualcomm Will Use SiGe From IBM For RF Chips By Mark LaPedus, Semiconductor Business News Feb 9, 1999 (3:40 PM) URL: techweb.com
Cellular phone powerhouse Qualcomm has expanded its thrust in the merchant chip business, announcing major deals with IBM's Microelectronics Division and Japan's Matsushita Electronic Components. At the Wireless '99 show in New Orleans, Qualcomm announced it is the latest company to license IBM's silicon germanium (SiGe) technology, while it separately forged a deal to co-develop RF-based modules with Matsushita.
San Diego-based Qualcomm also rolled out a new line of baseband processors, RF chips, handsets, base stations, and other products -- all based on CDMA digital-cellular technology.
"Chip-level products continues to be a huge part of our business," said Irwin Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm, at a press event at the Wireless '99 show. "We will continue to be a major supplier of ASIC in the industry.''
In fact, Qualcomm controls the lion's share of the market for CDMA-based baseband processors, but it is now getting some new competition in this arena from DSP Communications, LSI Logic, PrairieComm, and VLSI Technology.
"Competition is healthy for the industry," said Don Schrock, president of Qualcomm's CDMA Technologies Division, the company's semiconductor arm. "But we are ahead of our competitors. We've been [developing ASICs] for nine or 10 years."
Looking to beef up those efforts, Qualcomm has expanded its alliance with IBM by licensing IBM's SiGe technology. At present, IBM -- as well as Intel-- manufacture baseband processors on a foundry basis for Qualcomm.
IBM has also licensed its SiGe technology to Harris, National Semiconductor, Nortel, RF Micro Devices, and others. After years of efforts to get SiGe technology into commercial markets, the technology appears ready to give gallium-arsenide (GaAs) a run for the money in a number of high-speed IC applications.
Qualcomm's first products based on IBM's SiGe technology include two RF chips -- the RFT3100 transmit and RFR3100 receive devices. Offered in 32-pin BCC plastic package, these devices will begin sampling in the third quarter of 1999.
Qualcomm also forged a deal to co-develop multi-chip module components for CDMA handsets with Matsushita. All of Qualcomm's future components will work in conjunction with its new baseband processor.
Dubbed the MSM3100, the baseband chip is built around the ARM7 RISC chip core from Advanced RISC Machines. The MSM3100, which provides up to 300 hours of standby time in terms of battery life, also includes a 13-bit audio codec, a USB interface, and other features.
This chip, offered in a 208-pin BGA package, will be shipping by the third quarter of 1999.
{==========================}
Intel also works with Qualcomm on the BlueTooth wireless initiative.
Re: "do you know anything about the status of Intel's relationship with MRV Communications?"
Intel owns 200,000 shares of MRVC ($17.50) and had an option to buy 500,000 more at $20. I sure hope they DIDN'T exercise that option ! MRVC is now a $6+ stock !
Intel used to buy Ethernet switches from MRVC and re-sell these under Intel's brand name. I am unaware if they still do this since Intel has purchased Dayna & Case a few years ago.
Paul |
