Combined wireless connectivity portfolio and development ecosystem will enable Silicon Labs to address a broader range of market opportunities and customer needs, says Nick Flaherty
Microcontroller developer Silicon Labs has bought Finnish Bluetooth module expert Bluegiga Technologies in a $61m deal.
Privately held in Espoo, Finland, Bluegiga is one of the fastest growing independent providers of short-range wireless connectivity solutions and software for the Internet of Things. It’s wireless portfolio includes ultra-low-power Bluetooth Smart, Bluetooth Classic, and Wi-Fi modules, as well as software stacks, development tools and software development kits (SDKs) for a multitude of applications in the industrial automation, consumer electronics, audio, automotive, retail, residential, and health and fitness markets.
The acquisition significantly expands Silicon Labs’ wireless hardware and software solutions for the IoT as the modules, software stacks and development tools complement Silicon Labs’ 802.15.4 ZigBee and Thread mesh networking software, ultra-low-power sub-GHz solutions, and wireless MCU and transceiver products.
The combined wireless connectivity portfolio and development ecosystem will enable Silicon Labs to address a broader range of market opportunities and customer needs.
Together, Silicon Labs and Bluegiga offer customers a “one-stop-shop” source of standards-based wireless connectivity solutions including high-performance, long-range and ultra-low-power options.
“With Silicon Labs’ wireless, microcontroller and sensor portfolios gaining considerable traction in the IoT markets, the timing of this acquisition couldn’t be better,” said Tyson Tuttle, CEO of SiliconLabs. “Bluegiga’s wireless modules and software stacks round out our wireless portfolio and complement our IoT solutions. The addition of Bluegiga wireless modules gives us new ways to deliver simplicity to our customers, enabling developers to easily add wireless connectivity to their designs.”
Following the acquisition, Silicon Labs will continue to operate in Espoo, Finland, as a centre of excellence for wireless hardware and software technology development. It also operates a design centre in Oslo following the acquisition of low energy microcontroller developer Energy Micro. Silicon Labs will continue to develop, market and support a complete portfolio of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi module products and software stacks for customers worldwide.