DALLAS-Texas Instruments Inc. plans to purchase ZigBee chip designer Chipcon, which creates chips used in short-range, low-power wireless radio frequency devices such as wireless keyboards.
TI said it plans to pay $200 million for Chipcon, which is based in Oslo, Norway. The deal is expected to close in January.
Chipcon technology can be found in wireless gaming accessories and computer mice, as well as security systems and automatic meter reading systems in homes and businesses.
“As our customers incorporate more short-range wireless technology into their designs, it is increasingly important for TI to offer a robust range of RF transceiver options,” said Gregg Lowe, senior vice president for TI’s High Performance Analog division. “The addition of Chipcon’s technical capabilities and leading RF integrated circuits will complement TI’s existing low-power wireless product line and strengthen our high-performance analog portfolio.”
Geir Forre, Chipcon’s president and CEO, will lead a TI group that will integrate products from TI and Chipcon. Chipcon will become a wholly owned subsidiary of TI, and will continue operating in Norway. The company also has a software design center in San Diego and sales offices in New Hampshire, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
