MindTree develops analog IC
By agencies   |   Thursday, 15 December 2005, 20:30 IST
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BANGALORE: In order to enhance the life of batteries used in handheld devices MindTree Consulting has developed an analog integrated circuit (IC), for a Korean semiconductor and wireless products company. Announcing this, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Subroto Bagchi said, “The analog IC which measures 1.5 mm is equipped with intelligent power management features for Lithium-ion batteries. The challenge for portable devices lies in miniaturizing the battery and MindTree's analog chip helps hand-held devices to use power optimally for a longer time.” The company has built this chip for a Korean semiconductor and wireless product company on its process design kit. The chip will be taped out for fabrication over the next few weeks and would likely be shipped in early 2006, he said. MindTree’s Vice-President, S N Padmanabhan said that the chip enables intelligent charging of Lithium-ion batteries by sensing the current flow, temperature etc. A team of three engineers worked for five months to build the chip, he said. The company plans to triple its current engineering team of ten working on analogue circuits over the next one year. Besides, it also announced that Japanese firm NEC would integrate MindTree’s Bluetooth wireless technology into its GSM phones. That will allow NEC customers to wirelessly transfer photos, music, video clips, address book contacts and schedules and also use their phone as a wireless modem and printer. NEC has started shipping GSM phones with MindTree's Bluetooth IP in Europe, Bagchi said, adding the company's cumulative investment of $2.5 million since 1999 had started paying off with significant customer wins. For the current financial yea the company expects to hit $100 million mark in revenues. He also claimed that MindTree would be the first Indian software services company to reach the $100 million mark in six years.

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