February 16, 2007 – Portuguese firm Chipidea has agreed to acquire the assets of Nordic Semiconductor’s Data Converter IP Business Unit for $6 million in cash, the majority of which will be spread out in payments over 2.5 years.

Nordic’s unit focuses on data conversion IP (leading-edge analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters) for in-house projects, third-party ASIC designs, and standard products, used in areas including digital photography, wireless networks, and video. Despite requiring approval of both companies’ boards of directors, the transaction is projected to close quickly, by the end of this month.

The deal strengthens Chipidea’s position in data converters and adds “a significant catalog of IP” to its analog and mixed-signal portfolio. “The combination of these two businesses will allow Chipidea to significantly increase market share and strengthens our leadership position,” stated Jos