RFMD Scoops Up Amalfi

Dec. 6, 2012
RFMD has signed an agreement to purchase Amalfi Semiconductor, which provides CMOS PAs for the entry-level smartphone segment.

Telecommunications firms are looking to imbue entry-level phones with smartphone capabilities, prompting more users to take advantage of data-centric applications. To serve the growing entry-level smartphone market, Amalfi Semiconductor provides CMOS power amplifiers (PAs) that help boost operating ranges in cellular front ends. In signing a definitive agreement to acquire Amalfi, RF Micro Devices, Inc. is thus strengthening its already powerful presence in the cellular market.

According to Amalfi, its transmit modules deliver superior signal strength while enabling extended battery life and decreasing the size and cost of front-end cellular handset designs. At the heart of those modules is the firm’s patented AdaptiveRF CMOS PA architecture. RFMD plans to accelerate the market adoption of Amalfi’s RF CMOS and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs)—combining Amalfi’s products and expertise with RFMD’s deep customer relationships, broad product portfolio, in-house manufacturing scale, and global supply chain.

Under the terms of the agreement, RFMD will acquire Amalfi with cash on hand for total consideration of approximately $47.5 million (net of cash received). The transaction is expected to be accretive to RFMD’s P&L within two quarters.

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich | RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.

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