iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Microtune acquired Temic Telefunken Hochfrequenztechnik’s remaining RF operations in January 2000, combining its tuner-chip technology with Temic’s RF systems engineering, module manufacturing and customer support. Microtune described the arrangement as taking place “much like in a merger style,” but the contemporary trade report characterized it as an acquisition; the price was not disclosed.
What Microtune acquired
On January 18, 2000, Microtune, a Dallas-area startup then known for a single-chip broadband tuner, acquired the remaining RF systems operations of Temic Telefunken Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH, based in Ingolstadt, Germany. The January 2000 EE Times report described the deal as an acquisition of Temic’s technology, personnel and assets. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Microtune chairman and CEO Douglas Bartek explained the merger-style wording this way: “taking place much like in a merger style, as no one is leaving the company [Temic].” The statement described how the companies expected to work together; it does not change the transaction’s reported form as an acquisition.
Why the businesses fit together
Microtune supplied tuner integrated-circuit technology. Temic brought RF system engineering, module manufacturing and customer support. Microtune said the combination would move it beyond selling a single component toward providing complete systems solutions, with a broader international sales and support presence. Bartek summarized the intended offer as: “Now, we have effectively become a one-stop shop” for RF silicon and system expertise.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Manual Tuning Range】Manual tuner kit supports 1 to 30MHz operation with impedance matching range about 30 to 300 ohm. Suitable for HF tuning needs in QRP communication setups.
- 【DIY Assembly Kit】This tuner kit includes circuit board coils resistors screws nuts wire knob module and plastic box. Requires welding drilling and installation by yourself.
- 【Complete Package】Package includes 1 plastic box 1 circuit board 2 coils 1 dial switch 2 tuner modules 1 red indicator light and mounting parts for bench assembly and radio hobby use.
- 【Q9 Interface Use】Designed for interface connection in amateur radio and shortwave communication projects. Carrying RF power is under 15W, fitting low power station applications.
The commercial rationale was to give equipment makers ready-to-integrate RF modules rather than require them to combine tuner chips and other RF components and do more subsystem engineering themselves. A January 2000 EE Times report described a jointly developed module for a set-top-box customer. At the time, the companies were targeting a prototype by the end of February and a customer production schedule for June. Those were plans reported in January 2000, not confirmation that either milestone was achieved.
Temic’s operations and workforce
Temic Telefunken Hochfrequenztechnik had been formed in 1997 through a management buyout from Daimler-Benz. Its history is distinct from other businesses that used the Temic name. According to EE Times, Vishay acquired Temic’s chip-making and component operations in 1998 and later sold the facilities and process technologies to Atmel; Microtune’s deal covered the remaining operations.
Rank #2
- 433mhz RF Transmitter and Receiver Superheterodyne UHF ASK Remote Control Switch Module For Arduino Wireless Diy Kit.
- Mains input voltage range: 2.2V-5V; Operating frequency: 433.92 MHz, bandwidth of about ± 150KHz.
- Low-power performance, along with high dynamic range (greater than 60dB). Module uses highly integrated chip, built front-end low-noise amplifier,Mixers, filters, frequency synthesizer circuit, etc., can maximize the signal optimization.
- Support ASK / OOK modulation, the receiver sensitivity of -108dBm.
- Applications: Can be used for wireless power switch, socket, remote control switch, receiver module, smart home products, remote control curtains, remote MP3, and so on.
The same report estimated that Temic had roughly 1,000 workers, most at two factories in the Philippines producing RF modules. It also reported about 50 to 60 experienced RF engineers in Germany and around 20 application RF engineers in the United States. These were approximate figures reported in 2000, not audited headcounts or evidence of present-day staffing.
Markets and products Microtune targeted
Temic’s RF system solutions served cable, television, PC and automotive industries, according to the EE Times account of the deal. Microtune singled out automotive electronics as a growth opportunity, including RF modules for satellite radio. It also discussed a potential customer contract for a tuner module combining its chip with Temic’s system expertise.
Rank #3
- Improve the SNR and performance of your RTL-SDR, SDR or other radio! LaNA is a wideband (20MHz - 4GHz), high-performance, general purpose LNA module with an extremely low noise figure, installed in a quality aluminum enclosure
- Higher gain, lower noise figure, lower power consumption and better linearity than modules based on SPF5189Z and similar LNA MMICs
- Can be powered through bias tee (3.3V-5V), USB, or DC power with the included adapter. A free male SMA to male SMA connector is also included
- NOTE: Some SDRs will require a DC block between the LNA and SDR if utilizing the external power options.
Those statements describe the companies’ ambitions and customer plans at the time; they do not establish later sales or market results. In March 2000, EDN reported that Microtune was putting credit-card-sized RF modules into production in the Philippines and explicitly linked its new RF module engineering and production capabilities to the Temic acquisition. Microtune founder and chief technical officer John Norsworthy told EDN: “While some companies are willing to work with RF chips and do their own subsystem designs, the majority prefer a fully verified and tested solution.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the Temic deal fits Microtune’s later history
The Temic acquisition was separate from a later transaction involving Microtune itself. In September 2010, Zoran announced a definitive agreement to acquire Microtune. Zoran’s SEC-filed announcement stated a transaction price of about $166 million, or $84 million net of cash acquired. A November 2010 release said Microtune shareholders approved that merger agreement. Neither event was part of the 2000 Temic acquisition.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Main Application:The RF Tester Board for NanoVNA serves as a valuable educational and practical tool for individuals looking to understand the intricacies of a Network Analyzer (VNA). This kit is for learning the operational principles of a VNA, with a particular focus on calibration and extensive testing methods. It is suitable for students, professionals, and electronics enthusiasts who aim to enhance their skills in frequency analysis and network management.
- Circuit Resistor and Notch Filter:This Frequency Test Board Demo Kit features two RLC (Resistor, Inductor, Capacitor) series parallel circuits that allow users to explore the interaction between different electrical components. With a 33 ohm resistor and a 75 ohm resistor, both maintaining an SWR (Standing Ratio) of 1.5, users can study impedance characteristics and matching networks. The kit also includes a (Band Stop Filter) ceramic notch filter at a center frequency of 6.5MHz,for
- Circuit Capacitance, Inductance, and Filter:This NanoVNA RF Test Module Network Analyzer Board emphasizes the study of various circuit components, including RC (Resistor-Capacitor) and LC (Inductor-Capacitor) series circuits. These circuits are instrumental for understanding the fundamental behaviors of reactive components in AC circuits. The kit includes individual capacitors and inductors for hands-on experience. The low pass filter (LPF) and high pass filter (HPF) included in the kit are
- Calibration and Attenuation Circuits:The RF Test Board Kit for NanoVNA is equipped with various calibration circuits essential for accurate testing and measurement. A short circuit and open circuit calibration circuit allow for the setup and correction of VNA measurements to ensure The 50 ohm load calibration circuit serves as a standard for evaluating and calibrating network impedance. Further, users can understand signal attenuation with the inclusion of straight-through, 10dB, and 3dB
- Comprehensive Package List:Included in the package is 1x RF Tester Board and 2 x 20cm Adapter Cables, providing users with a complete and user-friendly setup for their analysis and learning The comprehensive package ensures that users have all necessary resources at their disposal, enhancing their practical experience and enabling them to focus on exploring the concepts of frequency testing without the need for additional tools or components. This completeness makes the kit especially beneficial
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.
