Fairchild + Zilker Labs Partnership FAQ
Q: What is the nature of the partnership between Fairchild and Zilker
Labs?
A: The partnership enables Fairchild to manufacture, market, and sell digital
power control ICs based on Zilker Labs’ Digital-DC™ technology.
Q: Why is Zilker Labs entering into this partnership with Fairchild?
A: This partnership will enable Zilker Labs to provide its top tier OEMs
with an alternate supply source, further accelerating its revenue ramp
by building upon Fairchild’s established relationships with their customers.
.
Q: Why is Fairchild entering into this partnership with Zilker Labs?
A: The partnership will enable Fairchild to help accelerate adoption within
the digital power market and develop closer relationships with their customers
to better understand their design challenges.
Q: Is Fairchild investing in Zilker Labs?
A: The details of the agreement are confidential.
Q: What Zilker Labs products will Fairchild be selling?
A: Fairchild will have the ability to sell all Zilker Labs products which
are released to production prior to the end of 2008. Defined derivatives
of these products are also covered by this agreement.
Q: Are there are limitations on where Fairchild can sell Zilker
Labs’ products?
A: No. Fairchild can sell to customers worldwide.
Q: Who will manufacturer the products sold by Fairchild?
A: Fairchild has a license to manufacture the products, and will establish
a manufacturing flow consistent with Fairchild standards.
Q: When will Fairchild start accepting orders for Zilker Labs products?
A: Fairchild will begin accepting and shipping orders within six months.
Q: Will Fairchild provide independent IC designs of Zilker Labs-compatible
products?
A: No. Fairchild will only manufacture Zilker Labs’ existing IC designs using
their own manufacturing flow.
Q: Will Fairchild use Zilker Labs technology to develop new products?
A: This agreement is limited to second source activities. However, derivatives
from the defined products that both companies agree would be beneficial
for future growth in the digital power area will be considered for development.
Q: What happens to the second source if Zilker Labs is no longer
an independent company?
A: Fairchild will have the ability to continue providing a second source
for those products included in the agreement.
Q: Is there a time limit to second source activities?
A: No. The agreement for the defined products is for perpetuity.
Q: What about the products beyond 2008?
A: The products to be released beyond 2008 are not covered by this agreement.
However, Zilker Labs and Fairchild reserve the right to extend the agreement.
Q: Will Fairchild provide design-in technical support to customers?
A: Yes. Fairchild will provide customers with full design support for the
Digital-DC products, including evaluation boards and simulation software
tools.
 |
About Fairchild Semiconductor:
Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS) is a global leader delivering energy-efficient
power analog and power discrete solutions. Fairchild is The Power Franchise®,
providing leading-edge silicon and packaging technologies, manufacturing
strength and system expertise for consumer, communications, industrial,
portable, computing and automotive systems. An application-driven, solution-based
semiconductor supplier, Fairchild provides online design tools and design
centers worldwide as part of its comprehensive Global Power ResourceSM.
Please contact us on the web at www.fairchildsemi.com.
About Zilker Labs
Zilker Labs provides Digital-DC™ power conversion IC solutions with industry-leading
performance and integration benefits. Zilker Labs’ products combine efficient
power conversion with key power and thermal management functions in single
easily-configurable ICs, providing flexibility and scalability without
increasing board space or design complexity. Founded in 2003, Zilker Labs
is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices throughout the United States
and Asia. For more information, please visit www.zilkerlabs.com
