SMSC acquires wireless audio IC vendor

SMSC (Hauppauge, N.Y.) said the deal brings to the company a high-quality audio and low-power radio frequency (RF) capability that will allow consumer and automotive OEMs to integrate wireless audio technology into portable audio devices and sound systems without compromising high-grade audio quality or battery life.

In a statement, Christine King, SMSC's president and CEO, said Kleer's technology provides a wireless extension to SMSC's Media Oriented Systems Transport product line.

"Kleer technology provides a natural extension to SMSC's consumer and automotive connectivity portfolio," King said.

Kleer (Cupertino, Calif.) is backed by $28 million in funding that it obtained in 2008 from USVP and VenGrowth. Late last year the company announced a new release of its flagship KLR3012 wireless audio module.