SigmaTel Snapshot
SigmaTel knows how to handle audio signals in a digital world. Long a leader in the market for PC audio encoder/decoder (codec) chips, the company has turned its expertise in designing mixed-signal integrated circuits and digital signal processors to other areas. The fabless semiconductor company develops audio codecs and other chips used in cellular phones, CD players, and digital audio players. Its product focuses are digital TVs, portable multimedia players, and printers. Customers include ASUSTeK Computer (nearly 15% of sales), Creative Technology (more than 13%), and distributor GMI Technology (18%). In 2008 Freescale Semiconductor acquired SigmaTel for about $110 million in cash.