Communications chip maker Anadigics Inc. announced yesterday it has acquired Fairchild Semiconductor's RF (radio frequency) business for $2.3 million in cash. The sale of Fairchild's RF Group includes licenses to intellectual property, customer and vendor lists, equipment and selected leases. Anadigics said it has hired 23 designers and engineers from the group and will maintain the Tyngsboro, Mass., design center. Also as part of the agreement, Anadigics said it will provide Fairchild with business and technical support as it divests the group. Anadigics, located in Warren, said the acquisition will accelerate its design and development of RF-active semiconductor devices for the cellular, Wi-Fi and WiMAX markets. The acquisition will increase Anadigics' research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2007, the company said, but those costs are expected to be partially offset by sales during the quarter. Fairchild, based in South Portland, Maine, said the divestiture will allow it to focus more on its power semiconductor products for the communications, computer, industrial and automotive markets. For more information, visit: www.anadigics.com