DelfMEMS makes another key step to establish its supply chain for RF MEMS switches

VILLENEUVE D'ASCQ & LILLE, FRANCE: DelfMEMS S.A. announced that it has since Q2 2011 has collaborated with Tronics’ MEMS Fab in Dallas (TX) for the RF MEMS switch process transfer and platform qualification. With steady progress made over the past six months, DelfMEMS and Tronics will be able to address the high capacity needs of its RF module partners for the cellular handset market.

The rigorous selection process among US, European and Asian foundries was undertaken in late 2010 and identified Tronics as the best positioned company to meet DelfMEMS technology process requirements for its core RF switch and its thin film capping solution and business sourcing channels.

Brian Stephenson, CEO of Tronics, Dallas indicated: “Volume requirements for the handset market, which DelfMEMS is targeting with their initial products, are significant, approaching +200M units/year. By utilizing our strengths and experience in volume manufacturing, MEMS process technology, and our proven Quality Management System (QMS) methodologies Tronics is well positioned to effectively address the challenging requirements of these supply chains, including volume scalability, low cost and high yield. This experience and operational capability enables us to deliver the highest quality product on time and at a competitive price to DelfMEMS’ customers and RF module partners.”

The initial focus has been on an extensive pre-qualification of DelfMEMS RF switch platform (SPST/SPDT) to achieve consistently targeted performance requirements but also to address supply chain compatibility with flip-chip assembly, module overmolding, and integrated multi-channel drivers to meet low switching speeds and reliability requirements in hot/cold RF switching cycle.

Dr. Olivier Millet, CEO of DelfMEMS, expresses high confidence by stating, ”This is our second RF MEMS switch process transfer and it is confirming the maturity and manufacturability of our RF switch design platform within a high volume MEMS foundry like Tronics.”

After completing an agreement with one of Tier-1 Global Cellular Network Operators and with upcoming milestone agreement with Tier 1 RF module providers and Tier-1 handset manufacturers, DelfMEMS is continuing to make headway across the complete cellular handset ecosystem.

Based on the strength of Tronics manufacturing capabilities, combined with a broad range of RF module makers, DelfMEMS will have dependable sourcing options to build a broad range of products based upon RF switch blocks (SPnT), RF Tuning blocks and more. These new products will address the needs and challenges of RF Front architecture scalability driven by multi-band/multi-mode complexity like LTE -4G of next generation handset/smartphone and other wireless devices.