Intel, NEC to develop power management ICs

The Japanese chip giant said it is applying its mobile market expertise to create an integrated mobile Internet device chip with Intel.

By Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor -- Electronic News, 2/4/2008

To combine power management, logic, audio and communications functions in a single chip, chip giant Intel Corp has teamed with Kawasaki, Japan-based NEC Electronics Corp and its US subsidiary, NEC Electronics America Inc on power management ICs (PMICs) optimized for mobile Internet devices (MIDs).

NEC said that Intel-based MIDs are meant to bring the best Internet experience in the consumer’s pocket and allow them to stay in touch with family, entertain with friends, stay informed and be productive on the go.

Minoru Matsuda, general manager of NEC’s power management devices division said its power management technology helps to maximize battery life, support high levels of integration and minimize motherboard space, which is critical for emerging portable devices. “Through our collaboration with Intel, we expect to deliver a PMIC solution that enhances the end-user experience by maximizing power efficiency, enabling the freedom to roam.”

Intel’s director of global ecosystem programs in the ultra mobility group, Pankaj Kedia, added that mobile Internet devices (MIDs) is an emerging category and represents an exciting growth opportunity for the industry. He expects NEC Electronics’ expertise in integrated power management solutions combined with Intel’s low power technologies will allow smaller, thinner, sleeker MIDs with great battery life for the consumer.

NEC said it expects initial samples of the power management ICs to be available in Q3.