Innovasic Semiconductor

Innovasic Semiconductor operated as a fabless semiconductor company, focusing on the design and development of integrated circuits for long life-cycle markets. Founded in 1992, the company established itself by providing extended-life processors, industrial Ethernet modules, and mixed-signal devices for sectors such as industrial automation, transportation, instrumentation, and medical applications. A core part of its business strategy involved addressing product obsolescence by creating pin-compatible replacements for integrated circuits that original manufacturers had discontinued.

The company was co-founded by Jordon Woods, who also served as the Chief Operating Officer and later as the Chief Technology Officer. His leadership guided the company's focus on solving complex technical challenges, particularly in industrial communications. This focus culminated in the development of specialized solutions for Deterministic Ethernet, a technology crucial for real-time, reliable connectivity in industrial settings. The business generated revenue by selling its semiconductor products and software solutions to a global client base that required robust and long-lasting components for embedded communication and control.

Innovasic's key offerings included the fido5000 Real-time Ethernet Multiprotocol (REM) switch chip and the RapID Platform, which provided connectivity for various industrial protocols like EtherNet/IP and Profinet. Its PriorityChannel technology was designed to ensure that real-time industrial Ethernet messages were processed reliably, regardless of network traffic. These products were particularly aimed at applications in harsh environments, such as automotive manufacturing, where synchronized network technology is essential for operations involving robotics. On October 27, 2016, Analog Devices, Inc. announced its acquisition of Innovasic. The acquisition integrated Innovasic's Deterministic Ethernet solutions into Analog Devices' Smart Automation portfolio, aiming to address the growing need for reliable connectivity in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Following the acquisition, the Innovasic team, led by Jordon Woods, joined Analog Devices' Industrial Automation Business Unit in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to continue developing Deterministic Ethernet technology.

Keywords: fabless semiconductor, integrated circuits, long life-cycle electronics, industrial automation, deterministic ethernet, embedded systems, mixed-signal devices, obsolescence management, real-time ethernet, industrial networking, multiprotocol ethernet, time sensitive networking, fido5000 REM switch, RapID Platform, PriorityChannel, industrial IoT, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Device Level Ring, analog devices acquisition