TriQuint Develops Latest Process Technology for Millimeter-wave Product Design and Manufacturing

(Business News & Technology News, 30 Jan 2008)

TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. recently unveiled the TQP13-N, its latest high performance process technology for designing and manufacturing cost-effective, high frequency millimeter-wave products for the commercial marketplace. Designed using the company's patented transistor technology, which replaces traditional E-beam with optical gate lithography, TQP13-N offers dramatic cost savings over current millimeter-wave technologies.

Historically, millimeter-wave applications, which operate in frequencies up to 95GHz, have been limited to military and other low volume products due to high cost. TriQuint's TQP13-N process can broaden the market for higher frequency applications by offering manufacturers a cost-effective solution for high volume millimeter wave products. Mobile satellite TV, WirelessHD and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are examples of millimeter-wave applications, which could be built using TQP13-N.

According to market research firm Gartner Inc., the global penetration rate for ACC is just one percent today. However, by 2015, Gartner expects more than half of all new cars will be fitted with ACC or some variant.

Mike Peters, Director of Marketing for TriQuint's Commercial Foundry, said the high-frequency applications have been considered too expensive for use in commercial markets. "With TQP13-N, TriQuint is offering a disruptive new technology at a price point that can drive the volume needed to be successful. TQP13-N, together with TriQuint's design tools, application support and expertise as a GaAs foundry supplier, offers our customers the opportunity to broaden their presence in existing markets and develop innovative new uses for millimeter-wave applications," said Peters.

Click here for more information