WiSpry And Jazz Partner To Create RF-MEMS For Cellular Handsets

Irvine and Newport Beach, CA -- WiSpry, Inc., developer of radio frequency micro-electro-mechanical systems (RF-MEMS) tunable components and modules for the wireless industry, and Jazz Semiconductor, an independent wafer foundry focused on specialty complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process technologies, announced that they have partnered to create innovative RF-MEMS offerings using Jazz's RF-CMOS processes. The program has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of commercially manufacturing WiSpry's digitally tunable capacitor devices into Jazz Semiconductor's 200mm wafer fab and provides commercial availability of integrated RF-MEMS devices, built upon Jazz's processes.

"WiSpry believes that RF-MEMS devices will be a disruptive element in the design of future RF systems," said Jeff Hilbert, president and CEO, WiSpry, Inc. "However, as with all components in the mobile domain, requirements such as price, power and performance are key. Our success in bringing this exciting technology to market depends on our ability to leverage existing semiconductor processes,permitting us to drive down cost and successively increase integration with other RF technologies. To that end, we are delighted to be able to develop this strategic relationship with Jazz, whom we view as one of the leading foundries in the RF semiconductor space. We believe this relationship places the two companies at the forefront of RF innovation."

The companies plan to integrate RF-MEMS digital capacitors and other functions into active silicon circuitry, enabling a roadmap to higher levels of integration with RF circuitry such as low noise amplifiers (LNAs), power amplifiers (PAs) and transceiver technology. The companies are also co-developing techniques for commercial wafer level sealing of RF-MEMS devices.

"RF MEMS is a relatively new area for foundry semiconductor development and we are excited at the prospect of bringing this technology to market in a commercial process," said Paul Kempf, chief technology and strategy officer, Jazz Semiconductor. "Our partnership with WiSpry will help enable innovative tunable MEMS process and device technologies, complementing the range of leading edge, high volume RF technologies at Jazz. Integrated RF-MEMS enabled tunable solutions address the need of the rapidly growing cellular handset and mobile communications markets."

SOURCE: WiSpry Inc.