Aeluros

Market position

Aeluros was positioned as a supplier of low-power 10-Gigabit interface technology in mainstream CMOS processes, an area NetLogic described as a scarce engineering capability that would form its center of excellence for high-speed interface technology. Its products were designed into next-generation systems at networking OEMs and optical module manufacturers.

Emphasis on low power, low cost and high density achieved by implementing 10 Gbps physical-layer functions in mainstream CMOS, including breaking the 1 watt barrier for XAUI transceivers and integrating electronic dispersion compensation on-chip.

Technology

Aeluros developed mixed-signal CMOS physical-layer devices for 10 Gbps communications. Reported industry firsts include a XAUI transceiver dissipating less than 1 watt, a transceiver able to drive a 10 Gbit/s VCSEL directly, and a transceiver with integrated electronic dispersion compensation for 10 Gigabit Ethernet over multi-mode optical fiber. The company also released IP cores for SATA, PCI Express and XAUI physical layers at 2.5 to 3.125 Gbps. Technical results were published at the IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, including an 800 mW 10-Gigabit Ethernet transceiver in 0.13 um CMOS.

Go-to-market

Direct engagement with optical module makers, networking OEMs and system integrators for design-ins, complemented by IP core licensing to semiconductor suppliers; Series B capital was raised partly to support Pacific Rim and Asian market focus in Ethernet and storage.

Optical module manufacturers, networking original equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and semiconductor suppliers licensing physical-layer IP cores.

Geography

Headquartered in Mountain View, California, serving customers worldwide, with stated commercial focus on the Asian and Pacific Rim markets for Ethernet and storage.

History

Founded in June 2001, Aeluros raised a $10 million Series B round in October 2004 led by UOB Venture Management with participation from existing Series A investors New Enterprise Associates and Worldview Technology Partners. It shipped a family of 10 Gbps datacom and storage silicon products and IP cores, and in October 2007 signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by NetLogic Microsystems for $57 million in cash plus up to $20 million in milestone payments. NetLogic itself was acquired by Broadcom Corporation for $3.7 billion, with the transaction closing in February 2012.