Dialog Semiconductor and TridonicAtco, a member of the Zumtobel Group, have established a joint development centre for next generation energy efficient lighting technology.

The move intensifies the longstanding successful collaboration between the two companies in the development of integrated circuits, such as the recently launched TridonicAtco XITEC™ chip family. The development centre, drawing on the services of international experts in the fields of lighting, power management and signal processing technology, is to be based in two locations in Austria: Graz and Dornbirn.

The charter of the joint team is to develop innovative control ICs both for conventional light sources, such as fluorescent or HID lamps, and for emerging LEDs. These devices will ensure the optimal control and regulation of light sources, at the same time maximising their service life and, through intelligent control using advanced digital signal processing, will be fundamental in minimising energy consumption. The move will also further enhance the patent and intellectual property portfolio of the companies in the field of state of the art lighting control and semiconductor process technology.

"Semiconductors play an important role in improving power efficiencies, in reducing global energy consumption and in environmental sustainability," said Dr Jalal Bagherli, CEO of Dialog Semiconductor. "The lighting industry is going through a period of rapid technological change. In establishing this partnership, I am delighted to be bringing our relationship with this industry leader to the next level as we together leverage our expertise to create the most power-efficient lighting systems possible."

TridonicAtco CEO Walter Ziegler was similarly enthusiastic about the new partnership: "By providing energy-efficient circuitry we enable our customers to realise sustainable lighting solutions. Through the new development centre we will be able to shorten our development cycles and to further reinforce our leading patent position in the field of state-of-the art lighting control gear. At the same time, this move sends out a signal that, despite the tough economic times, we are stepping up our investments in research and development to safeguard the long-term success of our business."

About Dialog Semiconductor
Dialog Semiconductor creates the world’s most energy-efficient, highly integrated, mixed-signal integrated circuits optimised for personal mobile, automotive and lighting applications. With a fabless business model, the company provides flexible and dynamic support, world-class innovation, and the assurance of dealing with an established business partner. Customers with a significant contribution to revenue include TridonicAtco, Sony-Ericsson, Apple and Bosch. Dialog Semiconductor plc is headquartered near Stuttgart, Germany with worldwide operations. The company employs approximately 290 people with more than 160 million dollars in revenue in 2008. More information is available at: www.dialog-semiconductor.com

About the Zumtobel Group
The Zumtobel Group, based in Dornbirn in the Vorarlberg region of Austria, is one of the few global players in the lighting industry. The Group, which started as Elektrogeräte und Kunstharzpresswerk W. Zumtobel KG in 1950, employs as of 30 of April 2009 a workforce of 7,165 and posted consolidated revenues of EUR 1,174.0 million in the 2008/09 financial year. Under the leadership of its Management Board with Andreas J. Ludwig (CEO) and Thomas Spitzenpfeil (CFO), the Group is made up of the following divisions: the Zumtobel Lighting Division covers the luminaire business and comprises the Thorn and Zumtobel brands; the Zumtobel Components Division with its TridonicAtco brand handles the lighting components business, including modules and systems; and the LED Division supports the LED activities of the other Group brands and also develops new customer groups through the Ledon brand. The financial year of the Zumtobel Group commences on 1 May and ends on 30 April. For further information, please visit www.zumtobelgroup.com

About TridonicAtco
TridonicAtco, headquartered in Dornbirn, Austria, develops, manufactures and markets control gear for a wide range of light sources, lighting management systems, LED modules and systems as well as electrical connection components and systems. TridonicAtco is true to its slogan "a world of bright ideas" and synonymous with outstanding products and services relating to the fascinating subject of light, supporting its customers in the development of energy-efficient lighting solutions. In the 2008/2009 fiscal year, 1,900 employees in 52 locations achieved revenue of 365.8 Mio Euros. More information is available at: www.tridonicatco.com