Black Sand Technologies, a fabless mixed signal specialist focussed on power amplifier technology for wireless applications, has received $10m in third-round (series C) funding, as it ramps volume production of its range of silicon power amplifiers for use in 3G phones, tablets and datacards.
The latest funding round was led by existing investors Northbridge Venture Partners and Austin Ventures.
“We are already shipping in volume to multiple customers, and this additional investment will allow us to take the company to the next level – in terms of new products and an expansion of the sales and technical team,” says John Diehl, CEO of Black Sand.
Black Sand employs standard CMOS technology in the manufacture of key handset components that have traditionally required specialised process technologies. The company’s products can therefore be made in the world’s largest semiconductor foundries, thus improving quality, reliability and robustness, reducing costs, and giving customers supply assurance.
The Black Sand BST34 series of power amplifiers is designed as a drop-in replacement for existing 3G GaAs power amplifiers, improving supply and lowering cost for handset manufacturers.
The BST35 series integrates more functionality upping data rates and reducing cost.
