Ambient Sound Investments (ASI), the investment firm established by the former founding engineers of Skype, has invested 200,000 euros in return for a 14 percent stake in AirDio Wireless, a developer of tiny wireless networking components that reduce the size of handhelds such as smartphones and mobile internet devices.

Taiwan-based AirDio manufactures some of the industry’s smallest SiP (system in package) modules (in photo) that provide device makers a well-balanced package of performance, size and cost. The fingernail-size module packs 50 components and measures 10 x 10 millimetres. AirDio produced the WiFi SiP module for one of the world’s first mobile internet devices (MIDs).

As handhelds continue to shrink in size and ever-leaner gadgets are hitting retail shelves, miniature SiP modules represent a major emerging trend in technologies that help power the handheld segment.

“AirDio combines exceptional industry experience with remarkable R&D,” said Toivo Annus, managing partner at ASI. “AirDio offers best-in-class patent-pending technology for devices that have already sold in millions, in a market that is set to explode in the near future.”

The agreement with AirDio represents ASI‘s third investment in emerging technology companies in Asia.

AirDio Wireless is an emerging company with the vision of building networking devices equipped with innovative AirDio RFIS (RF Integrated System, commonly known as RF System in Package) modules bundled with software which combines advanced radio, audio and video technologies to seamlessly link different networks (WPAN, WLAN, WMAN and WWAN) supporting the emerging voice, data and video services.

ASI uses its assets to fund emerging international technology companies. The company is mostly focusing on Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia, searching for innovative companies developing unique technologies.