RFMD Changes GaAs Strategy

March 29, 2013
By altering its GaAs sourcing, RFMD expects to optimize manufacturing capacity, lower costs, and generate more stable operating results.

Manufacturing will soon be phased out at RF Micro Devices, Inc.’s (RFMD) Newton Aycliffe, UK-based gallium-arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic-high-electron-mobility-transistor (pHEMT) facility. Most GaAs manufacturing will be transitioned to the company’s GaAs heterojunction-bipolar-transistor (HBT) manufacturing facility in Greensboro, NC. RFMD will partner with leading GaAs HBT foundries for additional capacity.

The transition will occur over the next nine to 12 months to support existing millimeter-wave customer contracts. Once implemented, RFMD expects annual cost savings of approximately $20 million (or $5 million per quarter).

The Newton Aycliffe GaAs pHEMT facility had been RFMD’s primary source for cellular switches. In recent years, however, the firm has transitioned to higher-performance, lower-cost silicon-on-insulator (SOI) switches. RFMD is seeking a buyer for the Newton Aycliffe facility. If a buyer cannot be found, the facility will be closed once contractual obligations are met.

Sponsored Recommendations

Frequency Modulation Fundamentals

March 14, 2024
The development of crystal-clear FM communications was an innovation of genius and toil. Utilized today in applications such as radar, seismology, telemetry and two-way radios...

44 GHz Programmable Signal Generator

March 14, 2024
The Mini-Circuits SSG-44G-RC is a 0.1 to 44 GHz signal source with an RF output range of -40 to +17 dBm with fine resolution. This model supports CW and pulsed (? 0.5 ?s) outputs...

Webinar: Introduction to OTA Measurement for mmWave and Sub-THz

Feb. 19, 2024
Join Jeanmarc Laurent, a leading expert from MilliBox, for an exclusive live webinar showcasing a complete Over-the-Air (OTA) testing system setup. In this immersive session, ...

Using a CMT VNA with Socket Server

Feb. 19, 2024
This application note describes use of a software application CMT Socket Server which is distributed and supported by Aphena Ltd. Please email [email protected] regarding purchase...