Xilinx expands local R&D operations

Fabless chip provider Xilinx will increase investment in local R&D operations, beginning with the expansion of its operations in the nation-state.

"Innovation must be done close to the customer," said Xilinx chairman, CEO and president Wim Roelandts. "The excellent business environment in Singapore, in proximity to our customers in Asia Pacific, allows us to meet increased customer demand for programmable solutions in this rapidly growing, important market for digital consumer electronics."

At the opening ceremony, Roelandts disclosed plans for increased investment in local R&D, beginning with the immediate expansion of its Singapore operations. The expanded operations at Changi Business Park spans 20,000 sqm and can house up to 500 employees, providing four times the capacity of its previous on-site manufacturing facility and three times the in-house process development resources.

The company is the first in Singapore to design products based on the 45-nanometer technology node. Since establishing its Asia Pacific headquarters in 2004, Xilinx has seen shipments grow by more than 75% from US$372 million in FY2006 to over US$675 million in FY2007.

Roelandts also announced the formation of a joint lab at the Republic Polytechnic where donations in silicon and electronic design automation software will enable professors and students to be trained in embedded system design and development for a variety of end applications like video and audio quality enhancement technologies for digital entertainment.