Microchip Technology acquires ZeroG Wireless

Deal enables embedded Wi-Fi solutions for PIC microcontrollers, Microchip says, of the Jan. 11 announcement.

January 11, 2010

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, announced Jan. 11 that it acquired ZeroG Wireless Inc., which delivers low-power embedded Wi-Fi solutions.6- or 32-bit PIC microcontroller. Terms of the deal are confidential, Microchip said. Microchip has wireless offerings covering embedded Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and ISM band .

"There is a growing need for Wi-Fi solutions in embedded applications, and ZeroG’s Wi-Fi solutions are tailor made for the embedded market," said Steve Caldwell, director of Microchip’s RF Products Division. "This acquisition makes it easy for Microchip’s microcontroller customers to purchase certified Wi-Fi modules and proven software, to enable their embedded applications with Wi-Fi capability."

Product support and availability

ZeroG’s customers should continue to contact ZeroG through the normal sales and support channels that existed prior to this acquisition announcement. www.microchip.com/get/9B6V

The ZeroG Wireless ZG2100M and ZG2101M Wi-Fi Modules, ZeroG IEEE 802.11 Development Kit for Explorer 16 (part # AC164136) and the ZeroG Wi-Fi PICtail/PICtail Plus Daughter Board (part # AC164136-2) will continue to be available at microchipDirect and through the Microchip sales team. Microchip has an online Wireless Design Center at www.microchip.com/get/NRR5.

See more about wireless and wired industrial networking on the Control Engineering Industrial Networks channel .

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor in chief, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com