Cliff Hirsch, Publisher,
Semiconductor Times
An inside look at innovative semiconductor start-ups
The challenges for emerging semiconductor companies have never
been greater. Yes, we all like the concept of a start-up hitting the ball
out of the park, quickly capturing that billion dollar opportunity.
But we all know that is rarely the case these days. Capital has
become increasingly scarce while the cost of entry has continued
to increase. That's why I like small, capital-efficient semiconductor
start-ups that grow organically and patiently. These companies tend
to exist in the low gate count analog and radio frequency (RF)
world. VectraWave is a prime example.
VectraWave was founded in May 2006 to develop RFICs
and system-in-package (SiP) devices for optical and microwave
communication equipment providers. The company has raised a
scant 1.2 million euros and has modest capital requirements going
forward compared to capital-intensive digital system-on-chip (SoC)
companies.
VectraWave is focused on direct current (DC) to millimeter-wave
single functions and highly integrated semiconductors and
application-specific ICs (ASICs), SiP modules and multi-chip
modules (MCM) for microwave, RF and lightwave applications.
In addition to custom products, VectraWave is developing off-the-shelf components and subsystems for the communications
(hi-speed optical, broadband wireless and satellite), point-to-point
and point-to-multipoint radios, aerospace and defense (radar and
electronic countermeasures (ECM)), and broadband test equipment
applications.
Current products include a variety of monolithic microwave
ICs (MMICs) (DC to 100 GB), including coders, phase shifter
drivers, drivers and amplifiers. VectraWave is developing a family
of products, including 43 Gbps logic ICs with a sub-family of 43
Gbps coders, and has demonstrated a non-return-to-zero (NRZ)
to return-to-zero differential phase-shift keying (RZ-DPSK) coder
operating up to 43 Gbps in less than 1 mm2 area.
VectraWave's first 40 GB coder circuit uses TowerJazz's 0.18
μm SiGe BiCMOS process instead of Indium Phosphide (InP),
the traditional semiconductor material used for 40 GB circuits.
The SiGe process enables digital circuits to be integrated on the
same die, resulting in lower cost, lower power consumption, better
temperature compensation and smaller total board area than
equivalent InP-based functionality.
Roughly 80 percent of Vectrawave's products are custom;
however, the goal is to move to a 50/50 mix of custom and standard
products within the next several years. The company is focused
on two key markets: 1) ICs and SiP for 10 GB to 100 GB optical
communication equipment, which is estimated to be valued at
$500 million within three to four years and 2) high-power amplifier
(HPA) MMICs for microwave communication equipment, which
is also estimated to be valued at $500 million within three to four
years.
Competitors include TriQuint Semiconductor, GigOptix, Inphi,
Centellax, Hittite Microwave, Mimix Broadband, UMS and several
others. VectraWave believes its competitive advantages include
comprehensive technology, highly skilled designers, European
heritage and a focus on easy-to-use integrated devices. Notable
customers include Alcatel-Lucent and Thales.
Yan Haentjens, Co-founder & President
Alain Le Borgne, Ph.D., Co-founder; VP, Technologies
Hervé Cam, Ph.D., Co-founder & CTO
Gerald Chretien, Co-founder & Operations Director
Abdenour Chelouah, Ph.D., Co-founder & Engineering Manager
Christian Le Nôtre, Senior Engineer & MCM Manager |
Rue de la Croix Blanche
Immeuble LOGI
78350 Les Loges en Josas
FRANCE
(T) +33 1 7487 5332
(F) +33 139 564 012
(W)www.vectrawave.com
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Cliff Hirsch (cliff@pinestream.com) is the publisher of
Semiconductor Times, an industry newsletter focusing on
semiconductor start-ups and their latest technology. For
information on this publication, visit www.pinestream.com.
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