AMI Semiconductor Adds Analog Array Methodology to Its Portfolio.

Analog Array Process Reduces IC Cost and Development Time by Combining Standard Circuit Blocks With Customized Interconnect Layers

POCATELLO, Idaho -- AMI Semiconductor (NASDAQ:AMIS), a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products for the automotive, medical and industrial markets, today announced that it has expanded its capabilities by offering new analog array methodology. The approach uses proven blocks of circuitry combined with custom interconnect layers to produce finished ASICs that incorporate both analog and digital elements in short lead times and with low NREs.

Analog arrays provide flexible and fast time-to-market solutions for use in the industrial, medical and consumer markets. Example applications include security sensing, identification, light sensing, and battery management for industrial applications; and glucose meters, blood analyzers and sensor interfaces for medical devices.

The wide range of proven design blocks that are combined to structure an array and to meet customers' specific applications include amplifiers, compactors, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog EEPROM, temperature sensors, oscillators, voltage references, and more.

A choice of more than 50 different arrays, offered in many sizes, configurations and technologies, allows AMIS to select the optimum general structure for each design. AMIS engineers can develop new arrays if needed. Customization of array structures through the design of the interconnect layers offers shortened design process time and significantly reduced cost.

When the theoretical design has been completed, it is created as a breadboard prototype using kit parts to prove its accurate alignment with customer performance specifications. Following this stage, the evolution of the design into silicon can be carried out with a high-degree of confidence.

With mask tooling only being required for the interconnect layers, the cost and time taken to move from breadboard to silicon is minimal. Should changes in specification necessitate design re-spins, the nature of the analog array process allows these to be completed in an impressive turnaround time of approximately six weeks versus the turn around time of a traditional mixed-signal ASIC of 12 to 18 months.

Cory Hatcher, director of analog arrays at AMI Semiconductor said: "Using proven, existing blocks of circuitry results in significant benefits for our customers by simplifying and reducing the cost of developing mixed-signal ASICs for their applications. With the customization of each IC achieved through the design and processing of the interconnect layers only, we can deliver product with remarkably low NREs and very short lead times."

AMIS has in-house capabilities for testing analog array devices at both wafer and packaging levels. Customized test programs can be developed to meet the specific needs of individual customer applications.

About AMI Semiconductor

AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. For more information please visit the AMIS Web site at www.amis.com.