Next acquisition target for MIPS: DSP core?

Junko Yoshida, EE Times
(08/31/2007 1:41 PM EDT)

NEW YORK — What's the next acquisition target for MIPS Technologies?

While keeping his cards close to the vest, MIPS CEO John Bourgoin hinted in an interview with EE Times this week that a DSP core company may be next.

With its acquisition of Chipidea Microelectronica, MIPS now owns not only processor cores—its bailiwick—but also analog and mixed-signal IP from Chipidea. All will be used to address the wireless, digital consumer and connectivity markets.

"MIPS should absolutely put a priority on developing complete MPU plus mixed signal subsystem IP products," said Gartner Group analyst Christian Heidarson. "If MIPS can shield mixed-signal integration issues from the SoC designer, this would be of tremendous value."

The deal brings MIPS more of the technology pieces it will need to become a supplier of virtual systems-on-chip, but the company has a ways to go yet.

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