A licensing agreement worth $500,000 has been signed between the National Microelectronics Research Centre (NMRC) at University College Cork and Analog Devices, the Limerick-based integrated circuit manufacturer. The agreement covers several integrated circuit design patents developed by the NMRC and related to telecommunications technology.

Analog Devices, a US multinational which employs 1,200 people in Ireland, will bring the applications to the commercial market, with the NMRC entitled to royalties from sales.

The NMRC has collaborated with the company over the past 10 years in research projects - although largely in the area of software development rather than circuit design. This is the first time the NMRC has taken out a technology license with Analog.

"We are in a position to look at technical problems a couple of years ahead while companies like Analog Devices must work day-today. This positions us as a research source which will provide a supply of technology to companies," says Dr Colin Lydon, a group director at the NMRC.

This type of partnership between Irish research centres and multinational technology companies is increasingly being viewed as beneficial to the industry as it can help to copperfasten the commitment of international companies to Ireland.

Already the NMRC does most of the research and development (R&D) for General Instruments, based in Macroom in Cork.

"It is important for the Irish economy that electronics companies are persuaded to engage in some strategic research and development here which will have the benefit of consolidating their presence in this country," says Prof Gerry Wrixon, NMRC director.