Ben Franklin to Invest $150,000 in Ciclon Semiconductor.

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. -- The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP) board approved an investment of $150,000 with Ciclon Semiconductor Device Corporation, Bethlehem, Northampton County. Ciclon is located in the Ben Franklin Business Incubator on the Lehigh University campus.

Ciclon Semiconductor designs and markets Laterally-Diffused Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (LD MOSFET) semiconductor devices that are used in wireless applications in computer and telecommunications equipment. The Ben Franklin investment will allow Ciclon to study the mechanical, thermal, and electrical reliability properties of a new low-cost, high-performance power semiconductor package.

This advanced, patent-pending packaging concept has been developed to deliver the industry's lowest cost, lowest profile, best thermal dissipation, and lowest electrical parasitic elements. Once completed, this packaging platform will be used in concert with Ciclon's current proprietary silicon technology to feed a growing product demand. These advances will move Ciclon into a leadership position in electronic power packaging.

In April 2005, Ciclon acquired the RF LDMOS Product Line of Agere Systems. With this acquisition, Agere transferred certain research and development and manufacturing assets, and inventory to Ciclon. In addition, Ciclon received licensing rights and the assignment of critical intellectual property and software associated with the product line. The Ciclon team is composed primarily of former Agere Systems management and technologists that have extensive experience in RF and LDMOS product development and production.

BFTP/NEP's goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a better economic future by building partnerships that develop and apply technology for competitive advantage. To achieve this goal, Center staff concentrate their efforts on three key areas:

1.  developing early-stage technology-oriented companies,

    2.  helping established manufacturers creatively apply new
        technology and business practices to achieve industry
        leadership, and

    3.  promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that
        fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth
        companies.

Since beginning operation, BFTP/NEP has helped to start 337 new companies, developed 580 new products and processes, created 9,373 new jobs for Pennsylvania workers and retained 17,266 existing jobs. The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is headquartered on the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem. It has regional offices in Lewisburg, Reading, and Wilkes-Barre.