WOBURN, MA /BUSINESS WIRE/ -- Skyworks Solutions Inc., an innovator of high-performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling mobile connectivity, announced that it has received ISO/TS 16949 certification, an internationally accepted automotive-quality-system accreditation. The ISO/TS 16949 recognition allows Skyworks to become a supplier in the automotive market, which is estimated by Lehman Brothers to have a total available market of approximately $16 billion. The automotive sector offers a range of new growth opportunities for semiconductor companies because cars use wireless technology for keyless entry, Bluetooth capability, GPS, satellite radios, climate control, sensors, and other applications. Given that ISO/TS 16949 is a key differentiating standard among customers across a wide range of industries, achieving this certification also creates opportunities in markets such as broadband, consumer electronics, meter reading, and RFID.
"Skyworks is proud to have completed this rigorous audit process involving many facets, including design, manufacturing, design validation, final test, packing, and shipping," said Nien-Tsu Shen, Vice President of Quality at Skyworks. "The stringent certification now positions us well with multiple German, Italian, American, and French automotive customers and gives us the opportunity to significantly expand our Linear Products business."
According to a research report published by Lehman Brothers in June 2007 entitled the "Semiconductor Handbook," "Automotive represents a core end-market for analog and mixed signal semiconductor companies and suppliers of discrete semiconductor components, among others." Automotive Certification 3-3-3
Skyworks launched its Linear Products business to aggressively leverage the company's core RF and analog product portfolio and modeling capabilities, along with its strong catalog sales channels and specialized rep and distributor networks, in nonhandset applications. Thus far, Skyworks has secured several strategic design wins in the infrastructure, broadband, medical, and industrial markets.
Skyworks Facilities Accredited Under ISO/TS16949
- Woburn, MA: Used for the production of 4 in. GaAs pseudomorphic high-electron mobility transistor, metal semiconductor field-effect transistor, and silicon wafer fabrication for switches, control devices and amplifiers, and discrete radio frequency (RF) diodes.
- Mexicali, Mexico: Used for final test, tape, and reel for a wide portfolio of semiconductor solutions, including modules, RF-chip scale, and fine-pitch ball grid array packages, as well as RF, analog, and systems test.
- Failure analysis (FA)/reliability lab in Newbury Park, CA.
About ISO/TS 16949
ISO/TS 16949 certification—developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) in conjunction with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the world's largest developer of standards—aligns existing automotive quality systems standards within the global automotive industry and aims to eliminate the need for multiple certifications to satisfy customer requirements. The IATF consists of an international group of vehicle manufacturers, including BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp., PSA Peugeot-Citroen, Renault, and Volkswagen.
Together with ISO 9001: 2000, the automotive certification specifies the quality system requirements for the design/development, production, installation, and servicing of automotive-related products. In addition, there are customer-specific requirements by individual subscribing vehicle manufacturers.
About Skyworks
Skyworks Solutions Inc. is an innovator of high performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling mobile connectivity. The company's power amplifiers, front-end modules and direct conversion radios are at the heart of many of today's leading-edge multimedia handsets. Leveraging core technologies, Skyworks also offers a diverse portfolio of linear products that support automotive, broadband, cellular infrastructure, industrial, and medical applications.
Headquartered in Woburn, MA, Skyworks is worldwide with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and service facilities throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information, please visit Skyworks' Web site.