Agere Systems Components emerged as a pivotal player in the global semiconductor industry during the early 2000s, renowned for its advanced components powering communications infrastructure and devices. Born from the technological powerhouse of Lucent Technologies' Microelectronics Group (itself inheriting the legendary legacy of Bell Labs), Agere was officially spun off as an independent entity in 2000 and completed its initial public offering (IPO) in 2001.

Headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Agere Components rapidly established itself as a Fortune 500 leader focused on designing, developing, and manufacturing highly sophisticated integrated circuits (ICs) and optoelectronic components. Its core mission centered on enabling the burgeoning digital communications revolution.

The company's portfolio was exceptionally strong in key growth markets:

• Optical Networking: High-performance laser drivers, transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs), and transceivers critical for fiber-optic networks.

• Wireless Communications: Chipsets and components for cellular infrastructure (2.5G/3G base stations) and mobile handsets, including power amplifiers and RF solutions.

• Storage: Semiconductor solutions for hard disk drives (HDDs), including read-channel and preamplifier ICs.

• Enterprise Networking: Components for high-speed data transmission in routers, switches, and LAN/WAN equipment.

• Emerging Technologies: Significant innovation in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology, most notably pioneering FBAR (Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator) filters for superior RF signal processing in mobile phones.

Agere Components leveraged its deep roots in materials science, physics, and complex IC design inherited from Bell Labs to deliver products known for performance, integration, and reliability. It operated state-of-the-art fabrication facilities and had a significant global presence.

However, facing intense competition and market consolidation, Agere Systems (including its Components division) was acquired by LSI Logic in April 2007 for approximately $4 billion. This merger created a formidable communications and storage semiconductor leader. Later, LSI itself was acquired by Avago Technologies in 2014, which subsequently became the global giant Broadcom Inc.

Legacy: While Agere Systems Components ceased to exist as an independent entity after 2007, its innovative technologies, talented engineering teams, and critical product lines significantly shaped the semiconductor landscape. Its contributions, especially in optical networking, mobile RF (via FBAR), and storage ICs, became integral parts of LSI and ultimately Broadcom's enduring success, leaving a lasting mark on the evolution of global communications technology.