Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector (SPS) will be re-christened Freescale Semiconductor when it is spun off out of the group.

That process is expected this Spring, when Freescale makes its IPO. Motorola registered the name-change with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last Friday. The IPO is being underwritten by Goldman Sachs.

"Freescale Semiconductor's name was chosen to reflect a new focus for the semiconductor company," the firm said. Which is odd, given that its SEC filing says the company will continue to focus on the embedded and communications markets.

"We've created a name that's intended to identify our team's dedication to agility, service and reliability," Freescale President and CEO Scott Anderson added. ®