Wave Computing acquired MIPS Tech, Inc. on June 15, 2018, to extend its dataflow-based artificial-intelligence strategy beyond data centers and toward embedded devices. MIPS brought RISC processor architecture and licensable CPU cores; Wave hoped to combine that processor IP with its AI technology. The acquisition announcement described a strategic plan, not proof that a unified platform or successful product line resulted.
What happened to MIPS?
On June 13, 2018, EE Times reported that Wave Computing planned to buy MIPS. The future-tense headline reflected an expected announcement, not a completed transaction. Wave announced on June 15 that it had acquired MIPS Tech, Inc., formerly MIPS Technologies. Wave said MIPS would operate as an IP business unit and continue licensing processor IP. EE Times reported the planned deal; Wave announced the acquisition.
MIPS was not a consumer chip brand in this deal. Its contribution was processor intellectual property: RISC architecture and CPU cores that other companies could license for use in their own products.
Why did an AI company want a processor-IP business?
Wave’s stated aim was to carry its dataflow approach to AI from data-center systems toward inference in embedded devices—the “Edge of Cloud,” in its terminology. The strategic logic was to pair Wave’s dataflow technology with MIPS RISC processor IP, potentially giving customers a route to AI-enabled embedded designs. Wave presented this as an expansion of its AI strategy, not as an independently validated product outcome.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
At the time, EE Times characterized the move as a shift from data-center AI training toward inference in embedded systems. Wave CEO Derek Meyer told the publication, “Our strategy has always been to push our dataflow fabric out to the edge.” That statement explains the company’s intended direction; it does not establish how widely the technology was adopted. EE Times’s contemporaneous account describes the rationale.
What did Wave say it would build or license?
AI-focused MIPS products and licensing
In October 2018, Wave outlined a roadmap for AI-enabled MIPS licensing, CPU cores for edge applications, and MIPS-based system-on-chip solutions. It also discussed functional-safety work for automotive applications. These were roadmap statements; the reviewed announcements do not establish that these products shipped or achieved commercial adoption. Wave’s October 2018 roadmap announcement describes the proposals.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
MIPS Open
In December 2018, Wave announced MIPS Open. Under the announced program, participants could access then-current 32-bit and 64-bit MIPS instruction-set architecture versions without licensing or royalty fees and would be licensed under MIPS patents. That is a description of the historical announcement; it does not establish whether the program or those terms remain available today. Wave’s MIPS Open announcement sets out the original terms.
How large was the market opportunity Wave described?
Wave’s June 2018 announcement attributed two forecasts to Tractica: $50 billion for AI solutions in data-center and on-premise environments, and $100 billion for AI solutions at the “Edge of Cloud.” These were historical market estimates cited by Wave, not revenue generated by Wave or MIPS. They help explain the ambition behind the deal, but do not show that the acquisition captured either market. The acquisition announcement contains the figures.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What happened to Wave and MIPS afterward?
MIPS reported that Wave Computing and its subsidiaries emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 1, 2021. The company said the reorganized business would be known as MIPS, following a bankruptcy auction in December 2020. Tallwood Venture Capital won with a restructuring bid valued at $61 million and was to take majority ownership, according to MIPS’s announcement. MIPS’s March 2021 statement gives that account.
This is the latest company-status information established by the cited announcements. It does not verify MIPS’s ownership, operating status, or licensing terms in 2026.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What the acquisition does—and does not—show
| What the announcements establish | What they do not establish |
|---|---|
| Wave acquired MIPS Tech, Inc. in June 2018, adding processor IP and a licensing business. | That Wave created a proven, integrated AI-and-MIPS platform. |
| Wave described a strategy to extend AI from data centers toward edge and embedded uses. | That the announced roadmap products shipped or reached broad adoption. |
| MIPS reported Wave’s emergence from Chapter 11 in 2021 and Tallwood’s majority ownership of the reorganized business. | Current ownership, operating status, or licensing availability. |
The acquisition was a strategic attempt to connect AI dataflow technology with licensable processor architecture. The available company announcements document that intention and later restructuring, but do not demonstrate that the proposed combination became a commercially successful platform.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
