Chipmaking giant Intel has announced it is acquiring Texas Instruments’ cable modem business unit. Intel views the acquisition as a way to enhance its system-on-a-chip business in the consumer electronics arena, and plans to apply expertise gained from its Atom product lines to combine TI’s existing Puma set-top boxes with Intel chipsets and DOCSIS technology to produce advanced set-top box systems.
“Intel is focused on delivering SoCs that provide the foundation for consumer electronics devices such as set top boxes, digital TVs, Blu-ray disc players, companion boxes, and related devices,” said Intel Digital Home Group general manager Bob Ferreira, in a statement. “This acquisition specifically strengthens Intel’s product offerings for the continuum of cable gateway products and reinforces Intel’s continued commitment to the cable industry.”
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed; however, Intel has offered all TI cable modem employees jobs at Intel sites in their home countries as part of Intel’s Digital Home group. TI’s cable modem business is primarily located in Israel. The companies expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of this year.
