DesignArt Networks

DesignArt Networks (DAN), founded in 2006 by CEO Oz Barak, CTO Assaf Touboul, and Avishay Mor, was a semiconductor company based in Ra'anana, Israel that specialized in system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for the mobile radio access network (RAN) market. The company focused on developing programmable SoCs and embedded software for 4G infrastructure, targeting the growing need for enhanced data capacity in mobile networks.

The firm's core business involved providing software-defined SoC platforms for a range of telecommunications equipment. This included compact base stations such as enterprise Femto, Pico, and Micro cells, as well as Remote Radio Heads (RRH) and backhaul links. DesignArt's technology was designed to allow mobile operators to expand their network capacity cost-effectively. The products enabled the design of both indoor and outdoor small cell base stations, which are crucial for improving network coverage and data throughput in dense areas. A key feature of their offering was the integration of wireless backhaul capabilities, which simplified the deployment of small cells by reducing costs associated with connecting them to the main network.

DesignArt's product line, such as the DAN3200 and DAN3400 SoCs, was built on a multi-core architecture. These platforms were capable of simultaneously operating multiple cellular and backhaul modems with low power consumption and high throughput. This technological approach addressed the increasing demand for mobile data driven by smartphone adoption. The company's business model centered on supplying these highly integrated chips and accompanying software to telecommunications equipment manufacturers. These manufacturers, in turn, built the infrastructure products sold to mobile network operators. Before its acquisition, DesignArt had secured approximately $30 million in funding from investors including Carmel Ventures, Magma Venture Partners, and Motorola Ventures.

In August 2012, Qualcomm acquired DesignArt Networks for a sum reported to be between $120 million and $150 million. The acquisition was a strategic move for Qualcomm to enhance its portfolio of small cell base station technologies and accelerate its initiatives in driving increased capacity and coverage in mobile networks. DesignArt's LTE and backhaul solutions were integrated into Qualcomm's existing offerings, complementing their Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and passive optical networking (PON) connectivity solutions. The Israeli company became part of Qualcomm's Atheros division.

Keywords: DesignArt Networks, Qualcomm acquisition, small cell, system-on-chip, SoC, 4G infrastructure, cellular base stations, wireless backhaul, mobile radio access network, RAN, telecommunications equipment, Oz Barak, Assaf Touboul, DAN3200, DAN3400, remote radio heads, femtocells, picocells, LTE solutions, network capacity, semiconductor, Ra'anana