ON Semiconductor bought Sound Design Technologies (SDT) to add ultra-low-power digital signal processing for hearing aids and audio products, audiology engineering expertise, and miniaturized high-density packaging. The acquisition was announced June 9, 2010, for approximately $22 million in initial cash consideration, plus a possible earn-out of up to $10 million.
What ON Semiconductor acquired
SDT was a privately held designer and manufacturer of ultra-low-power semiconductors for hearing aids and other portable, battery-powered digital signal-processing applications. It also developed high-density interconnect technology for custom, miniaturized packages.
ON Semiconductor said the acquisition would strengthen its audiology capabilities through SDT’s design and applications engineering team. SDT’s chip-scale capacitors and packaging expertise were also expected to help ON deliver small, medical-grade components for applications where space is constrained. These were the company’s stated strategic aims, not independent evidence that the acquisition achieved them.
In the acquisition announcement, Robert Tong, ON Semiconductor’s vice president of its Medical Division, said the deal “solidifies our position as a leading supplier” of ultra-low-power DSP for hearing aids and audio processing. Michael Hirano, Global Equity Capital’s executive vice president of Operations, described pairing SDT’s technology with ON Semiconductor’s global presence and industry expertise as a natural next step for the business. Both remarks represented the speakers’ views at the time.
#1 Best Overall
- Fine-tune your system with a 15-band graphic EQ, parametric EQ, active crossover, delay alignment and limiter for clear, balanced, professional-quality sound.
- Features RCA and High-Level inputs, making it easy to integrate with OEM factory stereos or aftermarket head units without sacrificing sound quality.
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- The integrated Anti-Pop System helps eliminate unwanted turn-on and turn-off noises, while clip indicators and limiter protect your audio system.
- Ideal for custom car audio systems, active speaker setups and OEM upgrades with professional DSP tuning in one compact processor.
How much did ON Semiconductor pay?
| Deal figure | What it means |
|---|---|
| Approximately $22 million | Initial cash consideration announced in 2010. |
| Up to $10 million | Maximum potential additional earn-out, subject to specified conditions, including revenue thresholds in 2010, 2011 and 2012. |
| $1.8 million | Estimated fair value of the contingent earn-out liability recorded in later financial reporting; it was an accounting estimate, not the contractual maximum. |
| Zero earn-out potential | ON Semiconductor reported in 2011 that the potential earn-out had been determined to be zero based on performance. |
The announcement also compared the initial consideration with roughly one times SDT’s first-quarter 2010 annualized sales. That was ON Semiconductor’s transaction comparison, not an independently audited valuation measure.
How SDT was folded into ON Semiconductor
ON Semiconductor’s June 9, 2010 customer letter said SDT would join the company’s Medical Division and operate within its Digital and Mixed-Signal product group. The letter described the Medical Division as based in Waterloo, Canada, and said SDT would retain its brand “for the time being.” The acquisition announcement separately located SDT in Burlington, Ontario; those references identify different locations.
Rank #2
- EASY INTERFACE CAR AUDIO DSP PROCESSOR: Through an LCD display (16x2 Characters) and intuitive interface, it allows real-time audio adjustments, just download the app direct on your smartphone.
- 4 CHANNEL CAR AUDIO BLUETOOTH DSP: The PRV DSP 2.4X BT Digital processor features 2 Channel Inputs – A and B – Support 2 different Signal Inputs ( Left and Right Stereo) and 4 Channel Outputs with Independent Gain, Crossover and Parametric Eq Setting per Channel
- UNIQUE FEATURE: Loaded with PRV Speakers, Drivers, and Tweeters Crossover Presets. Exclusively available on PRV’s digital signal processors, simplifying the process of setting the proper crossover filters for optimal sound quality.
- ADVANCED CONTROLS: 21 options of Digital Crossover Filters Options for HPF and LPF Settings: Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley and Bessel. Limiter, Phase and Delay Controls per output channel.
- FULL CONTROL ON OEM INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM: Speaker Wire Converter built-in, the HIGH-LEVEL input makes it easy to add this DSP to any factory radio. This allows users to integrate modern audio upgrades into vehicles with factory-installed systems, enhancing sound quality without replacing the entire head unit or infotainment system.
In a later notice, ON Semiconductor said SDT information and services had been integrated into onsemi.com and directed customers to update ARKonline bookmarks to the ON Semiconductor domain. Integration of SDT business operations and processes into ON Semiconductor systems became effective April 2, 2012. The 2010 customer letter does not establish whether any particular legacy SDT product is available today.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When the acquisition happened
ON Semiconductor announced the completed acquisition on June 9, 2010, buying SDT from an affiliate of Global Equity Capital, LLC. The SEC filing records June 8 as the earliest event-report date and includes the June 9 announcement as an exhibit. This is a historical acquisition, not a current transaction.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- INTUITIVE INTERFACE CAR AUDIO DSP PROCESSOR: Through an LCD display (16x2 Characters) and intuitive interface, it allows real-time audio adjustments
- PRV DSP HANDLES IT ALL: The PRV DSP 2.8x processor features 2 audio inputs (A and B) and 8 channel crossover independent outputs and allows you to choose the audio source (A, B or A + B) for each output
- INTEGRATED EQUALIZATION SYSTEM: With 15 band graphic car audio equalizer amplifier, manual tuning, or through 12 presets (Flat, Loudness, Bass Boost, Mid Bass, Treble Boost, Powerful, Electronic, Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, Vocal and Pancadão)
- DIGITAL CROSSOVER: For professional equalization adjustments, it has 1 INPUT and 1 OUTPUT Parametric Equalizer with gain control, specific frequency setting, and equalizer bandwidth, allowing fine adjustments and detailed equalization control
- SEQUENCER FEATURE: The PRV DSP audio processor allows sequential triggering of other products through the remote trigger connection (REM). Ecualizador de sonido para carro o ecualizador car audio
Rank #4
- High-Performance DSP Car Audio Processor: Elevate your car audio system with the Banda Audiopart X8AiR, featuring a 32-bit/96kHz DSP for precise multi-channel tuning, cleaner sound, reduced distortion, and professional-grade audio performance.
- 79-Band Car Equalizer & Advanced Crossover: Customize your sound with 79 EQ bands per channel, adjustable car audio crossover, time alignment, phase control, and peak limiter, delivering perfectly balanced highs, mids, and deep bass for an immersive listening experience.
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- 8-Channel Output & Full System Control: Equipped with 4 inputs and 8 output channels, the X8AiR supports multi-amplifier setups, component speakers, subwoofers, and complex crossover configurations, providing accurate, consistent sound throughout your vehicle.
- Universal Digital Audio Processor Upgrade: Compatible with factory and aftermarket systems, this DSP car audio processor improves clarity, enhances bass control, and offers precise tuning, making it a premium procesador de audio solution for car enthusiasts and audiophiles.
Rank #3
- INTUITIVE INTERFACE CAR AUDIO DSP PROCESSOR: Through an LCD display (16x2 Characters) and intuitive interface, it allows real-time audio adjustments
- PRV DSP HANDLES IT ALL: The PRV DSP 2.4x processor features 2 audio inputs (A and B) and 4z channel crossover independent outputs and allows you to choose the audio source (A, B or A + B) for each output
- INTEGRATED EQUALIZATION SYSTEM: With 15 band graphic car audio equalizer amplifier, manual tuning, or through 12 presets (Flat, Loudness, Bass Boost, Mid Bass, Treble Boost, Powerful, Electronic, Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, Vocal and Pancadão)
- DIGITAL CROSSOVER: For professional equalization adjustments, it has 1 INPUT and 1 OUTPUT Parametric Equalizer with gain control, specific frequency setting, and equalizer bandwidth, allowing fine adjustments and detailed equalization control
- SEQUENCER FEATURE: The PRV DSP audio processor allows sequential triggering of other products through the remote trigger connection (REM). Ecualizador de sonido para carro o ecualizador car audio.
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