Nordic Semiconductor (Oslo Stock Exchange: NOD) is a Norwegian fabless semiconductor company that delivers wireless communication solutions on a license-free 2.4GHz band. To be competitive in the market, the company must be at the forefront of technological developments in its key business sectors: standard components for wireless communication and data converters.
Trends
The area of wireless communication is developing at a furious pace. Nordic is established as an important supplier of components for short-range communication on ISM bands. The trend is towards the removal of cables from existing products, such as PC peripherals, gamepads, and intelligent sports instruments, enabled by wireless technology.
Product Development
Nordic Semiconductor continues to strengthen its focus on developing standard components for wireless communication on ISM frequency bands. New product development strongly emphasizes low price and low power consumption, which requires innovative design methodologies and the use of appropriate technology. As a result, today Nordic only develops wireless components in the cost-effective CMOS technology.
Expertise
Nordic Semiconductor is considered to be a world leader in development expertise. The company is particularly respected for the design of radio solutions with low power consumption. Today 51 people work on research and development of standard components in the company?s office in Trondheim. Nordic?s R&D group has a very highly qualified and stable workforce which provides an extremely good basis for new product development.
Tools & Design Methodology
Maintaining the company?s competitive advantage in technology requires a lasting focus on production technology, construction methodology and CAD tools.
Nordic currently has a fleet of CAD tools valued at more than $10 million. This is the leading fleet of tools in Scandinavia. The fleet of tools enables the company to design advanced circuits with 90 nanometre and lower line widths, which has opened up new markets. In 2005 the company invested in new CAD tools to ensure higher performance and lower production prices for its products.
