Foxconn acquires Arqana’s RF innovation center in Leuven

Hon Hai Technology Group, better known as Foxconn, has bought the wireless telecommunications business of fabless semiconductor component provider Arqana, including its Leuven-based Si-CMOS innovation center and Taiwanese office. The acquired activities have been merged with the Californian IC design house Achernartek, already fully owned by the world’s largest electronics manufacturer. Rebranded as Icana, the resulting global RF component supplier is to support Foxconn and third-party customers in the wireless telecom markets, including applications like connected vehicles and 5G infrastructure. Financial details haven’t been disclosed.

According to Foxconn, the acquisition is in line with its 3+3 strategy, which focuses on the three application areas electric vehicles, smart healthcare and robotics and the three key technologies next-gen communications, AI and semiconductors. RF chips are fundamental components for connectivity in EVs: modern cars will require new RF components to communicate with the 5G networks countries across the world are now deploying and adopting. Under the Foxconn umbrella, Icana can share the novel expertise and solutions of its parent company, enabling it to meet the growing market demand for 5G-connected electric vehicles.

Icana in Belgium will continue its R&D efforts for wireless telecom infrastructure, enhancing further sub-6-GHz and mm-wave product developments for 5G, but through the acquisition, it will also expand its footprint in connected cars and EV. “Foxconn shares our vision to be the brightest star in the 5G universe,” says Glenn Vandevoorde, CEO of Icana and former CEO of Arqana. “This acquisition benefits enormously our customers, accelerating our product introductions, shortening components’ time to market and helping the future growth of the business. Being part of the Foxconn family will also boost our ability to innovate faster, navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities of this decade.”