Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) has invested $7.1 million in Ottawa's Zarlink Semiconductor Inc as part of a $29.8-million R&D project to develop next-generation semiconductor chips. The new chips will facilitate the transition from circuit-switched networks to packet-switched networks based on Internet Protocol (IP). They will allow network operators to continue using old equipment as they move to IP technology. TPC's contribution is repayable based upon royalties of future sales....