Mobius Microsystems

About Mobius Microsystems

Mobius Microsystems carved a significant niche in the semiconductor industry by developing precision timing integrated circuits. The company was established in 2002, originating from research conducted at the Center for Wireless Integrated MicroSystems (WIMS). Michael McCorquodale, a graduate student at the center, founded the company to commercialize his work. Mobius focused on creating all-silicon, CMOS-based frequency generators, a departure from the long-standing quartz-based crystal oscillators that dominated the electronics market for decades.

The core of Mobius's business was the production and sale of its patented CMOS Harmonic Oscillator (CHO). This technology offered a substantial value proposition to clients in the consumer electronics, storage, and peripheral markets. By manufacturing the frequency reference on a single, standard CMOS die, Mobius enabled its customers to design and build products that were smaller, more cost-effective, and more mechanically robust due to the absence of moving parts. This innovation was particularly beneficial for high-volume applications like cell phones and USB ports, where cost, size, and reliability are critical. The business model centered on supplying these oscillator components, in both packaged and wafer forms, to electronics manufacturers.

The company successfully attracted venture capital, raising over $33 million from investors including Foundation Capital, Menlo Ventures, RPM Ventures, and the University of Michigan Endowment. This funding facilitated the expansion of operations and the production release of its CHO products. The technology's impact was significant, establishing Mobius as a leader in the all-silicon clock generation space. This culminated in its acquisition by Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT) on January 14, 2010. Following the acquisition, Mobius operated as a subsidiary and its technology was integrated into IDT's product lines, extending IDT's leadership in the timing market. IDT itself was later acquired by Renesas Electronics in 2019.