AUVSI 2014 - Fairchild Establishes Strategic Footprint in Fast Growing 3D Motion Tracking Market with Acquisition of Xsens

The acquisition of Xsens provides Fairchild with sensor fusion technologies that enable a seamless interaction between the physical and the digital world.

Unmanned Systems 2014


SAN JOSE, Calif.--Today, at the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) Executive Forum in Munich, Fairchild (NASDAQ:FCS) formally announced the acquisition of Xsens, a leading global supplier of 3D motion tracking products for the industrial, health, fitness and entertainment markets.

The acquisition of Xsens provides Fairchild with sensor fusion technologies that enable a seamless interaction between the physical and the digital world. The move significantly bolsters Fairchild's micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) / sensor activities and is a critical part of the company's ongoing innovation-focused technology transformation. With the addition of Xsens, Fairchild is now positioned to deliver state-of-the-art solutions for applications such as mobile, industrial control and stabilization, health, fitness, as well as 3D character animation.

"Building on a transformation of the company that started over a year ago, Fairchild is intent on creating a product development culture that delivers innovative solutions for newly emerging or fast growing markets," said Vijay Ullal, President and COO of Fairchild. "By adding Xsens' capabilities to the Fairchild team, we can supply our customers with unique and differentiated sensor-focused solutions for a variety of end markets, including both traditional industrial and mobile markets, as well as emerging markets such as smart interconnected devices (the Internet of Things), wearables and more."

"We are excited to join the Fairchild team," Casper Peeters and Per Slycke, Xsens Co-founders, said. "Being part of Fairchild will allow us broader access to the technologies and resources required to further strengthen development of 3D motion tracking products, as well as to better serve current and future customers."

Xsens has a storied history. Since its inception in 2000, Xsens has deployed tens of thousands of motion sensors and motion capture solutions successfully in areas such as 3D character animation, rehabilitation and sports science, and robot and camera stabilization. Customers include Electronic Arts, NBC Universal, Daimler, Autodesk, ABB, Siemens and various other leading institutes and companies throughout the world.

Concurrent to the GSA Forum in Munich, Xsens technology will also be on display in booth No. 1037 at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) 2014 Conference and Tradeshow, May 12-15, 2014, at the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Fla.

Xsens will operate as an independent subsidiary of Fairchild and will continue to be headquartered in Enschede, The Netherlands.

About Fairchild Semiconductor:

Fairchild has a rich history as a pioneer in the semiconductor industry and that pioneering spirit endures today. In an era where diversity can dilute focus and hamper innovation, we specialize in the development and manufacturing of a complete portfolio of low- to high-power solutions for the mobile, industrial, cloud, automotive, lighting, and computing industries. Fairchild is one of the most reliable partners in the industry, offering the shortest time from concept to silicon, expert FAEs for customer support, and a flexible, multi-source supply chain. Our vision is clear - anticipate the power efficiencies demanded by tomorrow's electronic products and deliver an amazing design experience.

Delivering this vision is Fairchild's way of making the world a cleaner and a better place. We accomplish this via a deeply human-centric approach: engage our employees, and strive to delight all our customers with great products at a fair price. If you use a smart phone, drive a car, own a modern appliance, or enjoy film animation you have experienced the power of Fairchild. Fairchild is unique in its deployment of design thinking in conceiving and delivering these advanced products. Our foundation is our guiding principles, which recognizes the inseparability of engaged employees and delighted customers, and encourages our employees to simplify, challenge, explore, play, excel, respect, go fast, and be direct. Please contact us on the web at www.fairchildsemi.com.

About Xsens

Xsens is the leading innovator in 3D motion tracking technology and products. Its sensor fusion technologies enable a seamless interaction between the physical and the digital world in applications such as industrial control and stabilization, health, sports and 3D character animation. Clients and partners include Electronic Arts, NBC Universal, Daimler, Autodesk, ABB, Siemens and various other leading institutes and companies throughout the world. Xsens is fully owned by Fairchild Semiconductor, an industry icon delivering power solutions for the mobile, industrial, cloud, automotive, lighting, and computing industries. Xsens has offices in Enschede, the Netherlands and Los Angeles, California. Please contact us on the web at http://www.xsens.com

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