Highlighting the importance of rapidly marketable innovation, Mr van Houten specifically referred to the latest HDMI 1.3 receiver chip, developed by the Caen-based team and recently introduced at IFA. "This technology, which improves the audio and video performances and lowers the costs of High-Definition audio/video receivers, has been well received by customers and demonstrates how R&D teams bring value to our company."
Teams at the Caen-based R&D center, comprising close to 900 engineers and researchers, are developing ground-breaking technologies in four of NXP's key fields of activity: Mobile & Personal (nomad devices), Home (household electronics), ID (identification) and MMS (multimarket semiconductors). The company's R&D teams work in a number of fields including: RF technologies, silicon tuners, System-in-Package, together with other innovative solutions such as Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.
Furthermore, the R&D Center also hosts a common research laboratory in partnership with the CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research), baptized ISyTest (Institute for System Testing). The laboratory's aim is to develop innovative test methods and techniques allowing NXP to improve the quality of its increasingly complex system solutions.
Explaining the reasons behind NXP's choice of the Caen conurbation, Henri-Alain Rault, President of NXP France, stated, "Caen has always been the ideal location for our R&D activities: it boasts a strong entrepreneurial culture and commitment from public authorities, as well as a solid ecosystem formed by research laboratories, regional competitiveness clusters, engineering schools and technical expertise."
During the company's 50 year presence in the town of Caen, NXP has continued its committed involvement in the local ecosystem. Now located within the new Effiscience Science Park, the company's R&D Center federates the key ingredients capable of attracting high-tech partners and activities to the science park. The successful accomplishment of this aim bears witness to the solid relationship which exists between NXP and the region's public authorities.
