Extended position in IoT connectivity

FCI is a leader in Mobile TV SoCs in T-DMB and ISDB-T, with RF tuner-demodulator SoC solutions for smartphones, tablets and automotive Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs). The acquisition provides Dialog with a portfolio of complementary Connectivity-based products that includes Ultra-Low-Power WiFi System-on-Chip (SoCs) and Modules, Mobile TV SoCs and Mobile Communication transceiver Integrated Circuits (ICs).

In Q4 2018, FCI began ramping production of their first Ultra-Low-Power WiFi SoC (FC9000) and accompanied this with a range of fully WiFi certified module solutions, including integrated antenna options. Their product range is designed specifically to meet the demands of battery powered IoT devices enabling direct connectivity to internet Access Points (APs), while providing banking grade security. A complete software stack together with turn-key reference designs and evaluation platforms delivers a total low-power system solution to the world’s most demanding customers.

CEO Jalal Bagherli, stated: “The acquisition of Silicon Motion’s Mobile Communications product line provides Dialog customers with Ultra-Low-Power WiFi SoCs and complete modules that are certified and designed to meet the demands of today’s battery powered IoT devices.

"Ultra-Low-Power WiFi is a strong strategic fit for Dialog with the opportunity to combine WiFi and Bluetooth low energy chips and modules selling into our complementary IoT, consumer and automotive markets. We are excited to welcome the Mobile Communications team to Dialog. Together, we will increase the value we can bring to our customers by building a more diversified low-power connectivity offering.”

The acquisition also brings to Dialog a broad range of new technologies and engineering capabilities with extensive design expertise in RF wireless communications for cellular 4G and 5G, Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) transceiver, power amplifiers and deep sub-micron chip design. Combined with Dialog’s extensive configurable mixed signal, low power and connectivity expertise, this acquisition hopes to provide a platform to create and combine a range of new products.

Dialog will fund the $45m purchase price in an all-cash transaction from its balance sheet. The Board of Directors of both companies have given their approval and the transaction is expected to complete during 2019, subject to regulatory approval.