April 2, 2007 – Renesas Technology Corp. and ZMG AD have agreed to codevelop a 900MHz band ZigBee chipset based on IEEE 802.15.4, one of various types of wireless communication standards initially developed for home/office automation control systems, communications for healthcare equipment, and sensor data transfer applications.

The deal will incorporate ZMD’s RF technology supporting 900MHz band ZigBee, now being introduced in Europe and the US, into Renesas microcontrollers. Future work could involve developing a single-chip solution combining an MCU with embedded RF functionality.

ZMD had been looking to combine RF and MCU functionality, while Renesas also had been studying ways to provide a 16-bit MCU-based system supporting the 900MHz band, the companies said in a statement.

“900 MHz ZigBee is a critical technology in supporting the development of building automation and home automation systems, which are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years,” stated Hideharu Takebe, board director and GM of Renesas’ MCU business unit. “By combining the expertise of ZMD’s 900 MHz RF technology and Renesas’ MCU technology, we will be delivering a compelling ZigBee solution to our customers, ahead of our competition.”

“The opportunity to combine our proven IP and design know-how with the market leader in microcontroller technology will ensure that ZMD continues to create innovative RF solutions,” added Thilo von Selchow, CEO and president of ZMD AG.