TI buys CICLON Semiconductor to power its power supply IC business

Texas Instruments has acquired Bethlehem, PA-based power management semiconductor developer CICLON Semiconductor Device Corporation. The energy efficient MOSFETs are expected to grow faster in coming years with large number applications in automotive and other switching power supply required systems including the laptops and desktop computers. In fact applications for MOSFETs are much broader.

Using CICLON's power management technology designers can double power system's operating frequency and achieve greater than 90-percent power efficiency in a footprint up to 20-percent smaller than today's power supply. The company's metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technology, known as NexFETTM technology, attains these performance and size improvements by delivering a dramatic reduction in gate charge.

"Combining CICLON's technology and expertise with TI's industry-leading power management semiconductor portfolio gives us a tremendous advantage when solving customers' complex power design requirements," said Steve Anderson, senior vice president for TI's Power Management business unit. "The acquisition also opens doors for us to engage in the high-current power MOSFET space, viewed by industry analysts as a multi-billion dollar market opportunity."

Mark Granahan, chief executive officer of CICLON Semiconductor, said, "Combining CICLON's talent and technology with TI's high-performance analog portfolio, global sales force and power management expertise will give equipment designers quicker access to proven power supply solutions that meet or exceed the most stringent industry regulations and requirements, such as 90-percent plus efficiency."

This acquisition adds up to lot of strengths, which TI has, already in power semiconductor business.