Austriamicrosystems to Fab Triad Mixed-Signal Structured ASICs.WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. & UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, Austria -- Triad Semiconductor Inc., a pioneer in the development of mixed signal structured ASIC A type of application specific IC (ASIC) chip that contains blocks of logic, called "tiles" or "modules," that have their transistors already wired together forming gates along with some combination of multiplexors, flip/flops, look up tables and the like. (application specific integrated circuit integrated circuit (IC), electronic circuit built on a semiconductor substrate, usually one of single-crystal silicon. The circuit, often called a chip, is packaged in a hermetically sealed case or a nonhermetic plastic capsule, with leads extending from it for ) technology, announced that the MSSA-1 platform has transitioned to production status with austriamicrosystems as the fabrication fabrication (fab´rikā´sh  n),n the construction or making of a restoration. partner. The MSSA MSSA Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus MSSA Microscopy Society of Southern Africa MSSA Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association MSSA Military Selective Service Act MSSA Mid-South Sociological Association MSSA Minnesota Social Service Association Platform addresses the widening gap between skyrocketing IC development costs with advanced semiconductor processing technology and the fact, that 39% of ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) Pronounced "a-sick." A chip that is custom designed for a specific application rather than a general-purpose chip such as a microprocessor. designs reach volumes up to 100,000 units, which do not justify these costs. Triad's mixed signal structured ASIC solutions enable companies to get semiconductors to market quickly, with low development costs and reduced risk. While structured ASICs are well-adopted in the digital IC market, Triad Semiconductor's MSSA-1 platform takes the proven "structured ASIC" approach into the mixed signal domain by adding a structured arrangement of analog building blocks to the design platform concept. The mixed-signal structured ASIC is ideal for embedded systems Embedded systems Computer systems that cannot be programmed by the user because they are preprogrammed for a specific task and are buried within the equipment they serve. that require analog interfaces, local digital processing and communication functions. Using ViaPATH(TM) design tools from ViASIC (http://www.viasic.com), the array elements are automatically configured and interconnected into an ASIC without the expense and delay traditionally associated with full-custom, manual layout. Triad offers a flexible range of customer relationships from the turn-key design and manufacture of custom chips to the license of libraries, EDA (1) (Electronic Design Automation) Using the computer to design, lay out, verify and simulate the performance of electronic circuits on a chip or printed circuit board. tools and related technology. The first MSSA platform, the MSSA-1 is ideal for producing SoC ASICs that contain sensor interface circuits, amplifiers, filters, A/D converters, D/A converters, digital processors, and communication interfaces. A few example applications include medical monitoring devices, instrumentation and wireless sensor networks. "Digital structured ASICs are the fastest growing segment of the semiconductor industry," said Dan Wrappe, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Triad. "Until now, there was not a mixed-signal equivalent for rapid design and low cost development. We are pleased to announce production tooling of the MSSA-1 mixed-signal structured ASIC platform. We chose austriamicrosystems as our fabrication partner due to their commitment to quality, focus on mixed signal processes, and depth of experience." "Triad Semiconductor's engineers have created an innovative mixed-signal IC design and manufacturing platform," said Peter Gasteiner, Senior Vice President and General Manager Full Service Foundry of austriamicrosystems. "Considering the large market potential for specialized analog mixed-signal systems on a chip solutions, we are very pleased they have selected our 0.35 micron process." For additional information, please visit the company web site located at www.triadsemi.com. About Triad Semiconductor, Inc. Triad Semiconductor, Inc. is a privately held fabless semiconductor company A fabless semiconductor company specializes in the design and sale of hardware devices implemented on semiconductor chips. It achieves an advantage by outsourcing the fabrication of the devices to a specialized semiconductor manufacturer called a semiconductor foundry or "fab. with headquarters in the Piedmont Triad Research Park Piedmont Triad Research Park (PTRP), located in downtown Winston Salem is a highly interactive, master-planned innovation community developed to support life science and information technology research and development. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Winston-Salem is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 185,776; in 2004 the city annexed an additional 17,483 raising the population to 203,259. . For more information, please visit the web site located at www.triadsemi.com or call (336) 721-9450. About austriamicrosystems AG With headquarters near Graz, Austria, austriamicrosystems AG is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of highly integrated mixed signal ICs. austriamicrosystems combines more than 20 years of design capabilities, product and marketing know-how with a full service silicon foundry specialized in mixed signal, RF and HV applications. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems is organized in four strategic business units: Communications, Automotive, Industrial & Medical and Full Service Foundry. Additional information can be found on following Internet pages: http://www.austriamicrosystems.com and http://www.asic.amsint.com (C) Copyright 2005, Triad Semiconductor, Inc. All rights reserved |
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