Sofics, a Belgium-based leader in specialty I/O and on-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection solutions, and Dolphin Semiconductor, a France-based provider of mixed-signal intellectual property (IP) solutions, announced a strategic partnership to enhance integrated circuit (IC) designs for high-growth sectors such as the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless communication, and automotive applications. This collaboration combines Sofics’ expertise in robust ESD protection and custom I/O circuits with Dolphin Semiconductor’s cutting-edge power management, audio, and design robustness IP, promising to deliver optimized solutions that accelerate time-to-market, improve performance, and ensure reliability for IC designers worldwide. This blog post explores the technical details of the partnership, its significance, and its potential impact on the semiconductor industry.

The Semiconductor IP Landscape and the Need for Collaboration

The semiconductor industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the proliferation of connected devices, the rise of edge computing, and the increasing complexity of system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Markets like IoT, wireless, and automotive demand ICs that combine high performance, energy efficiency, and robustness while meeting stringent time-to-market requirements. Achieving these goals often relies on specialized IP blocks—pre-designed, reusable components that address critical functions like power management, I/O interfaces, ESD protection, and signal processing.

However, integrating disparate IP blocks into a single SoC can be challenging due to compatibility issues, design complexity, and the need for robust performance in harsh environments. Partnerships between IP providers, like Sofics and Dolphin Semiconductor, address these challenges by offering complementary solutions that streamline the design process and enhance overall IC performance. This strategic alliance leverages the strengths of both companies to provide a more comprehensive IP portfolio, enabling fabless companies and IC design teams to tackle demanding applications with confidence.

Technical Overview of Sofics’ and Dolphin Semiconductor’s Offerings

Sofics: Specialty I/O and ESD Protection

Sofics is a foundry-independent IP provider specializing in on-chip ESD protection and custom I/O circuits. With over 5 billion chips integrating its technology, Sofics has a proven track record of delivering robust solutions across various foundries, including TSMC, UMC, GlobalFoundries, and Samsung Foundry. Key features of Sofics’ IP include:

1. TakeCharge® ESD Solutions: Sofics’ flagship ESD protection portfolio, available for advanced nodes down to 3nm, ensures ICs can withstand electrostatic discharge events without compromising performance. These solutions are critical for applications exposed to harsh environments, such as automotive and industrial IoT.
2. Custom I/O Circuits: Sofics designs specialty I/O interfaces tailored to specific application needs, enabling higher data rates, lower power consumption, and enhanced reliability. These I/Os are used in 40% of recent Bluetooth products, billions of smartphone imager chips, and numerous optical communication modules.
3. Foundry Independence: Sofics’ IP is characterized on 11 foundries, offering flexibility for customers targeting different manufacturing processes. This reduces design risk and accelerates tape-out schedules.
4. Area Efficiency: Recent advancements, such as those announced on October 24, 2023, highlight Sofics’ focus on minimizing silicon area for ESD protection, enabling compact designs for cost-sensitive applications.

Sofics’ solutions are integral to ensuring IC robustness, particularly in sectors where reliability and longevity are paramount, such as automotive (e.g., in-car electronics) and IoT (e.g., indoor positioning systems).

Dolphin Semiconductor: Mixed-Signal IP for Power and Performance

Dolphin Semiconductor, established in November 2024 following a €26 million acquisition by Jolt Capital, specializes in low-power mixed-signal IP solutions for consumer electronics, automotive, industrial IoT, and high-performance computing (HPC). With offices in Meylan, France, and Montreal, Canada, the company focuses on energy-efficient IP blocks that address modern design challenges. Key offerings include:

1. Power Management IP: Dolphin’s portfolio includes DC-DC converters, low-dropout (LDO) regulators, and single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) regulators. These solutions, such as the high-efficiency DC-DC converter supplied to XHSC in 40nm and LDO regulators provided to Ingenic in TSMC 22nm, optimize power delivery for battery-powered and high-performance systems.
2. Audio Processing IP: Dolphin’s analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), audio codecs, and voice activity detection (VAD) technologies deliver high-quality audio with ultra-low power consumption, ideal for wearables, IoT devices, and automotive infotainment systems.
3. Design Robustness and Safety: Dolphin’s in-situ monitors and power metering IP enhance IC reliability by providing real-time diagnostics and fault detection, critical for safety-critical applications like automotive and industrial automation.
4. Market Focus: Dolphin targets high-growth markets, including IoT, automotive, and industrial, with a customer-centric approach that emphasizes fast time-to-market and sustainable design practices.

Dolphin’s expertise in power management and audio IP complements Sofics’ I/O and ESD solutions, creating a synergistic partnership that addresses both power efficiency and circuit protection needs.

Details of the Strategic Partnership

The Sofics-Dolphin Semiconductor partnership, announced on March 18, 2025, is structured to leverage the complementary nature of both companies’ IP offerings. Key aspects of the collaboration include:

1. Mutual Customer Referrals: Sofics and Dolphin Semiconductor will refer customers to each other based on specific IP needs, ensuring IC design teams access optimized solutions for ESD protection, I/O interfaces, power management, and audio processing. This referral model simplifies the sourcing process for customers, reducing design complexity and costs.
2. Integrated IP Solutions: By combining Sofics’ ESD and I/O IP with Dolphin’s power management and audio IP, the partnership enables the development of more complete SoC designs. For example, Dolphin’s low-power DC-DC converters can work alongside Sofics’ low-noise I/O circuits to support wireless IoT devices with reliable power delivery and robust signal integrity.
3. Targeted Markets: The partnership focuses on high-growth sectors, including IoT (e.g., smart sensors and wearables), wireless (e.g., Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules), and automotive (e.g., advanced driver-assistance systems and infotainment). These markets demand ICs that balance performance, power efficiency, and reliability, making the combined IP portfolio highly relevant.
4. Faster Time-to-Market: By providing pre-validated, interoperable IP blocks, the partnership reduces design and integration time, enabling customers to meet aggressive product launch schedules. This is particularly valuable in competitive markets like IoT and automotive.
5. Enhanced Reliability: Sofics’ ESD protection ensures ICs can withstand environmental stresses, while Dolphin’s in-situ monitors and robust power management IP enhance operational reliability, critical for automotive and industrial applications.

As stated by Bart Keppens, Chief Business Development at Sofics, “By partnering with Dolphin Semiconductor, we are providing our customers with a more complete IP solution, especially in sectors where performance, reliability, and time-to-market are critical.” Similarly, Hakim Jaafar, VP Marketing & Application Lab at Dolphin Semiconductor, noted, “Joining forces with Sofics enables us to offer our customers additional value through proven I/O and ESD protection that complements our power management offers.”

Technical Benefits for IC Designers

The partnership delivers several technical advantages for IC design teams:

1. Comprehensive Power and Protection Solutions:
2. Combining Dolphin’s power management IP (e.g., DC-DC converters and LDO regulators) with Sofics’ ESD protection ensures efficient power delivery and robust circuit protection, critical for battery-powered IoT devices and automotive electronics.
3. For example, in an IoT sensor node, Dolphin’s ultra-low-power LDO regulator can minimize quiescent current, while Sofics’ ESD protection safeguards sensitive analog circuits against electrostatic discharges.
4. Low-Noise and High-Performance I/O:
5. Sofics’ custom I/O circuits, optimized for low noise and high data rates, complement Dolphin’s audio IP, enabling high-fidelity audio processing in applications like wireless headsets or automotive infotainment systems.
6. The partnership ensures clean signal paths, reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improving system performance.
7. Area and Cost Efficiency:
8. Sofics’ area-efficient ESD solutions and Dolphin’s compact power management IP minimize silicon footprint, reducing die costs and enabling smaller form factors for wearables and IoT devices.
9. The pre-validated nature of the combined IP reduces design iterations, lowering development costs.
10. Robustness in Harsh Environments:
11. Automotive and industrial applications often operate in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or voltage transients. Sofics’ ESD protection and Dolphin’s in-situ monitors ensure ICs remain reliable, meeting standards like ISO 26262 for automotive functional safety.
12. This robustness is critical for applications like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or industrial automation controllers.
13. Flexibility Across Foundries and Nodes:
14. Sofics’ foundry-independent IP and Dolphin’s support for leading foundries like TSMC (e.g., 22nm and 40nm nodes) provide customers with flexibility to choose the optimal manufacturing process for their needs.

Impact on Key Markets

The partnership is poised to have a significant impact on the IoT, wireless, and automotive sectors:

1. Internet of Things (IoT)

1. IoT devices, such as smart sensors, wearables, and indoor positioning systems, require ultra-low power consumption and robust protection against environmental stresses. Dolphin’s power management IP minimizes energy usage, while Sofics’ ESD solutions ensure reliability, enabling longer device lifetimes and reduced maintenance costs.
2. The partnership’s focus on compact, cost-effective IP supports the scalability of IoT deployments, critical for smart cities and industrial IoT applications.

2. Wireless Communication

1. Wireless devices, including Bluetooth modules and Wi-Fi chipsets, demand low-noise I/O and efficient power management to maintain signal integrity and battery life. Sofics’ I/O circuits, used in 40% of recent Bluetooth products, combined with Dolphin’s audio and power IP, create high-performance wireless solutions.
2. The partnership enables faster development of next-generation wireless devices, such as 5G IoT modules and ultra-low-power Bluetooth beacons.

3. Automotive

1. The automotive industry is increasingly reliant on electronics for ADAS, infotainment, and electric vehicle (EV) systems. The partnership’s IP portfolio addresses automotive-specific requirements, such as functional safety, high reliability, and low power consumption.
2. For example, Dolphin’s LDO regulators and DC-DC converters can power automotive camera systems, while Sofics’ ESD protection ensures robustness against voltage spikes, enhancing system safety and longevity.

Broader Implications for the Semiconductor Industry

The Sofics-Dolphin Semiconductor partnership has several implications for the semiconductor ecosystem:

1. Strengthening the European Semiconductor Industry:
2. Based in Belgium and France, Sofics and Dolphin Semiconductor contribute to Europe’s push for semiconductor self-sufficiency, aligning with initiatives like the European Chips Act. Their collaboration showcases European expertise in high-value IP design, attracting global customers and partners.
3. Dolphin’s recent €10 million investment from Vertex Growth and €26 million acquisition by Jolt Capital further bolster its growth, reinforcing Europe’s position in the global semiconductor market.
4. Accelerating Innovation in Edge AI and IoT:
5. The partnership builds on Dolphin’s prior collaboration with Fraunhofer IIS for edge AI power management, announced on August 27, 2024. By integrating Sofics’ ESD protection, the partnership enhances the reliability of edge AI devices, such as smart cameras and autonomous sensors, driving innovation in AIoT (AI + IoT) applications.
6. This aligns with global trends toward smarter, more efficient edge computing systems.
7. Addressing Supply Chain and Talent Challenges:
8. The semiconductor industry faces ongoing supply chain constraints and a shortage of skilled engineers. The partnership’s focus on pre-validated IP reduces design risks, mitigating supply chain delays. Additionally, Sofics’ involvement in educational initiatives, such as KU Leuven’s analog layout course, and Dolphin’s expansion in Canada address the talent gap by fostering the next generation of engineers.
9. Dolphin’s growing team of over 135 employees, including 125 from the former Dolphin Design, underscores its commitment to building a robust workforce.
10. Promoting Sustainability:
11. Both companies emphasize energy-efficient solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals. Dolphin’s mission to “create a more efficient and greener future” and Sofics’ low-power I/O designs contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of electronic devices, particularly in IoT and automotive applications.

Challenges and Future Opportunities

While the partnership holds significant promise, several challenges must be addressed:

1. Integration Complexity: Combining IP from different providers requires careful validation to ensure compatibility. Sofics and Dolphin must invest in joint testing and support to minimize integration risks for customers.
2. Competition: The IP market is highly competitive, with players like Arm, Synopsys, and Cadence offering comprehensive portfolios. The partnership must differentiate itself through superior performance, reliability, and customer support.
3. Evolving Standards: Automotive and IoT applications increasingly require compliance with standards like ISO 26262 and Matter (for IoT interoperability). The partnership’s IP must evolve to meet these requirements.
4. Global Expansion: While Dolphin’s recent investments and partnerships (e.g., with Ingenic and XHSC) strengthen its presence in Asia and North America, the partnership must navigate geopolitical and market-specific challenges to achieve global scale.

Future opportunities include expanding the partnership to support emerging technologies, such as 5G-Advanced, Wi-Fi 7, and neuromorphic computing, where low-power, robust IP is critical. Additionally, joint R&D efforts could lead to innovative IP solutions tailored for next-generation applications like autonomous vehicles and smart grids.

Conclusion

The strategic partnership between Sofics and Dolphin Semiconductor, announced on March 18, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the semiconductor IP industry. By combining Sofics’ industry-leading ESD protection and I/O solutions with Dolphin’s advanced power management and audio IP, the collaboration offers IC designers a comprehensive portfolio that enhances performance, reliability, and time-to-market. Targeting high-growth markets like IoT, wireless, and automotive, the partnership is well-positioned to drive innovation and address the challenges of modern SoC design.

As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one demonstrate the power of collaboration in delivering cutting-edge solutions. With a shared commitment to energy efficiency, reliability, and customer success, Sofics and Dolphin Semiconductor are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable, and intelligent future.

For more details, visit Sofics’ press release or Dolphin Semiconductor’s website.

About Dolphin Semiconductor

Dolphin Semiconductor is a leading provider of semiconductor IP solutions, specializing in mixed signal IP design targeting markets such as Industrial, High-Performance Computing, Consumer Electronics, IoT and Automotive. Dolphin Semiconductor cutting-edge technology IPs in power management, high-quality audio, power metering, and design safety/robustness, allow their customers to accelerate design cycles, foster faster time-to-market and build products that address the challenges of any industry and support a more sustainable world. With a customer-centric approach, Dolphin Semiconductor provides exceptional support for successful project outcomes.

About Sofics

Sofics is an independent IP provider specializing in on-chip ESD solutions. With a track record of proven IP across various foundries and process nodes, Sofics’ technology has been integrated into more than 5000 tape outs from customers worldwide. Its solutions are critical to ensuring the robustness and performance of ICs in a wide range of applications, including automotive, IoT, and wireless. For more information, visit www.sofics.com