COMPAQ SELECTS CONEXANT'S MODEM/NETWORK CONNECTIVITY FOR PCS.

Conexant Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:CNXT) has introduced a V.90/local area network (LAN) combination communications solution for the mobile computing segment.

Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE:CPQ) has selected this solution to provide networking capability and Internet connectivity in its Presario 1400 and 1700 notebooks, which are available now in major retail outlets.

Based on the mini-peripheral component interconnect (mini-PCI) form factor, Conexant's solution combines V.90 modem and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity on a single card.

Conexant's mini-PCI solution provides OEMs with an easy means of integrating modem and LAN or broadband connectivity into notebook designs, and offers a lower bill-of-materials cost for notebook manufacturers than alternative solutions.

Supported by the industry's leading computer companies and suppliers, the mini-PCI standard defines a small daughter card that offers the same functionality as the widely accepted PCI standard in a significantly smaller form factor.

Compaq has been a Conexant customer since 1985. In addition to selecting the combination modem/LAN solution, Compaq has also integrated Conexant's host-based V.90 software modem into its Presario 1200T, 1400, 1600 and 1700 notebooks, utilizing the same industry-standard mini-PCI form factor.

"Conexant's modem/LAN combo provided us with an affordable way to offer our customers high-speed Internet access and local-area network connectivity in a combined solution," said Kevin Frost, vice president, Presario Mobile Products, Compaq.

"We're excited to strengthen our relationship with Conexant and incorporate their latest modem technologies, as well as connectivity combo-product offerings, into our consumer notebook line."

Featuring a highly integrated design, the V.90/LAN combo eliminates the need for a bridge chip, a device that allows two devices to share one PCI connector. This reduces bill-of-materials costs by approximately $2 to $4 for typical notebook designs.

"Mini-PCI solutions, such as our V.90/LAN combo, offer PC manufacturers a significantly less expensive way to provide modem and network connectivity to their customers," said Matt Rhodes, senior vice president and general manager for Conexant's Personal Computing Division.

"Our solution is superior to conventional PC card implementations, not only because of its lower cost, but also because it allows PC OEMs to implement a solution for LAN connectivity with the same performance as more expensive branded CardBus and Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) cards."

Conexant's V.90/LAN combination product is among the first to achieve Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certification, which ensures a product's full compatibility with Windows operating systems. This certification also allows customers integrating the solution onto their motherboards or add-in cards to display the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" logo on product packaging.

Conexant's modem family includes hardware-based, software-based and "controllerless" modems, plus all associated codecs, drivers, applications and other algorithms for creating complete, host-processing system solutions.

Conexant provides its customers with a single source spanning all of the requirements for creating feature-rich modem and audio solutions across a full spectrum of price/performance points.

Available now, Conexant's V.90/LAN solution is packaged as a 100-pin plastic quad flat pack (PQFP) and is priced at $17.50 in quantities of 100,000.