Redmere Technology

About Redmere Technology

Redmere Technology, founded in Ireland in 2004, carved a niche in the fabless semiconductor industry by focusing on signal conditioning chip technology for High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables. The company was established by Peter Smith, who, along with other staff, had prior experience in the electronics sector, including at companies like Parthus-Ceva and Agere. Redmere's core business involved developing power signal conditioning chip technology embedded directly into HDMI cables. This innovation addressed a significant market need for thinner, more flexible, and longer high-speed cables capable of reliably transmitting high-definition audio and video.

The company's primary product was a miniaturized chipset, such as the MEA1689, that acted as a booster and equalizer within the cable's connector head. This active equalization technology allowed for the transmission of high data rates—up to 18Gbps in later iterations—over much thinner and longer cables than traditional passive ones, supporting features like 4K resolution, 3D video, and Audio Return Channel (ARC). A key benefit of Redmere's solution was its ability to draw power directly from the 5V supplied by the HDMI port, eliminating the need for an external power source. This made the technology particularly suitable for consumer electronics, including HDTVs, gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, as well as for professional home theater installations requiring long cable runs. Redmere's business model was fabless, meaning it designed the chips in Ireland and outsourced the manufacturing. Revenue was generated through the sale of these semiconductor modules to major cable manufacturers and OEMs, including notable brands like Molex, Fairchild, Samsung, Vizio, and Monster.

After securing an $8.2 million Series A funding round in 2006 led by Celtic House Venture Partners, Redmere expanded its operations and marketing efforts into the U.S. and Asia. The company achieved a significant milestone by 2011, selling over one million of its booster modules. In a strategic move in July 2012, Redmere Technology merged with Fresco Microchip to form a new analog semiconductor company, Spectra7 Microsystems. This merger was structured as an acquisition by Chrysalis Capital VIII Corp., with both Redmere and Fresco becoming wholly-owned subsidiaries of the new entity. Tony Stelliga, who was CEO of Redmere at the time, became the CEO of Spectra7, aiming to combine Redmere's analog products with Fresco's wireless technologies to address growing bandwidth demands in mobile and internet infrastructure.