U-blox acquires Cognovo

Switzerland-headquartered U-blox, a specialist in positioning and wireless semiconductors, has acquired UK-based Cognovo, a company specialising in software defined modem (SDM) chip development technology. The acquisition extends U-blox’ chip design capabilities to create differentiated products for strategic markets that require 4G communications combined with global positioning.
June 29, 2012
Switzerland-headquartered 602 U-Blox, a specialist in positioning and wireless semiconductors, has acquired UK-based 6057 Cognovo, a company specialising in software defined modem (SDM) chip development technology. The acquisition extends U-blox’ chip design capabilities to create differentiated products for strategic markets that require 4G communications combined with global positioning.

“This is a very exciting acquisition for U-blox as it positions us as an agile and cost-effective supplier of high-speed wireless modem products based on our own chip IP. This allows us to meet market demand for connected systems that require positioning, connectivity and application specific functionality on a single integrated circuit,” said Thomas Seiler, U-blox CEO. “This new foundation broadens our serviceable market, and will increase our margins in the automotive, consumer and industrial sectors. Our first 4G product is planned for 2013.”

Cognovo’s SDM technology and development tools quickly translate complex radio modem designs into fully characterised low-power semiconductor chips. The combination of technologies from Cognovo and the recently acquired 5197 4M Wireless will result in a new wireless modem platform based on IP owned by U-blox.
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