Melexis and Transense Sign ASIC Licence
Ieper, Belgium -- Transense Technologies and Melexis NV announced that the companies have signed an exclusive license agreement. Under the agreement, Melexis will manufacture a radio frequency ASIC incorporating Transense's SAW interrogation technology for use in torque measurement and tire pressure and temperature monitoring. Transense will receive a royalty on all ASICs sold incorporating its patented SAW technology. The agreement replaces Transense's previous agreement with Atmel Grenoble.
Melexis is a supplier of advanced integrated semiconductors and sensor ICs that meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry. All leading car manufacturers have Melexis products designed into their critical systems working with exceptional reliability under the extreme conditions required for the automotive environment. They include automotive microcontrollers, Hall (magnetic) sensor ICs, bus ICs, interface ICs for pressure and acceleration sensors, integrated silicon pressure sensor chips, ASICs, RF and RFID ICs.
Commenting on the agreement, James Perry, Chief Executive of Transense, said:
"I am delighted that Melexis has entered into a licence agreement for Transense's SAW technology. This is an important step forward. It enables Transense to maximise value from its technology now that it has licence arrangements in place which cover all the key components necessary to deliver the most cost-effective volume production of complete SAW sensor systems.
"We have been working closely with Melexis for many months on this new IC solution, which will replace the more costly, discrete components currently used in our prototype non-contact electric power assisted steering and battery-less tire pressure monitoring systems. The ASIC will enable automotive industry product cost targets to be met."
Rudi de Winter, Chief Executive of Melexis, stated: "Transense's SAW sensor technology fits perfectly with our RF design competence and our focus on automotive sensors.
"Melexis is committed to make the SAW sensor technology a success as it will further grow its strong position in TPM and EPAS systems. Furthermore this technology has the potential to improve comfort, safety and fuel efficiency with several other automotive wireless sensing applications."
Source: Melexis and Transense