B'lore, now largest non-UK R&D site for Cambridge

India has emerged as the largest R&D centre for Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR), a provider of personal wireless technology, including Bluetooth and FM receivers, outside the UK.

CSR, whose customers include Apple, LG, Motorola, Nokia and a host of other consumer brands, has a 130-member team working in Bangalore.

The Bangalore team has played a crucial role in evolving the fixed landline-mobile convergence (FMC) technology using the Bluetooth application. Recently, FMC-enabled telephone instruments equipped with CSR's components were released in the market.

"Over the years, the Bangalore centre has emerged as a critical arm of CSR's global operation. It accounts for 20 per cent of the company's R&D activities. It has taken up initiatives and is poised for growth," CSR India General Manager John Mudie told Business Standard.

The company's largest R&D site is located in Cambridge, UK, with a headcount of 600. It has R&D centres in other locations like Sweden, Denmark, France and the US.

"However, the headcount at these R&D sites are small when compared to the Bangalore centre. Besides, the Bangalore centre is involved almost in all the projects," he pointed out.

The Bangalore centre came into CSR's fold following the worldwide acquisition of UbiNetic's software business. The Bangalore team gave CSR the capability to extend its offering to mobile handset customers.