RF Micro cuts wireless systems unit, $75M in costs, 350 jobs

Chip maker RF Micro Devices Inc. said Tuesday that it plans to cut $75 million in product development expenses this fiscal year by eliminating its wireless systems unit, which includes a GPS chip business and a cellular transceivers business.

The company expects to reduce its work force by about 350 employees as a result.

RF Micro said the move is part of a plan to increase its focus on its core semiconductor component opportunities.

"These strategic actions will enable RFMD to deliver more predictable financial results and substantially higher profitability," RF Micro Chief Executive and President Bob Bruggeworth said in a statement.

The company expects to log $40 million to $50 million in restructuring charges in the next two quarters, about two-thirds of which it anticipates will be non-cash.

RF Micro expects to begin realizing savings in its June quarter. The full benefit of the cuts should be realized by the December quarter, the company said.

The company said it is talking with strategic and financial buyers about some of the wireless system unit's assets.

RF Micro shares rose 16 cents, or 4.9 percent, to close at $3.45.