Enigma Semiconductor Announces HybriCore Integrated Switch Architecture; Enabling Next Generation Triple Play Applications with Highest Density Cell and Packet Switching at More Than 280 Gbps Per Switch.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Enigma Semiconductor today announced its HybriCore integrated switch architecture, delivering more than 280 Gbps per switch for two terabits of full duplex, non-blocking traffic across the system backplane. Developed with the high demands of triple play applications in mind, the HybriCore architecture provides network system developers with the ideal core switch fabric for the next generation of ultra high-density networks.

HybriCore is the first scalable switching architecture to deliver both cell and native packet switching across the system backplane. This makes it a flexible choice for system OEMs developing 10- and 40-Gigabit network infrastructure equipment for service provider networks as well as enterprise, storage and data center applications.

This technology enables exponential increases in system density to address a new generation of requirements fueled by voice over IP (VoIP), broadcast TV (IPTV), video on demand (VoD) and a multitude of data services that leverage the Internet network infrastructure. Network systems based on HybriCore will enable network providers to deliver the application-aware performance demanded of these triple play services, meeting Service Level Agreements (SLAs) based on Committed Information Rates (CIR) and Peak Information Rates (PIR).

"There are two main reasons a system developer looks to merchant silicon: cost and integration," said Rob Sturgill, president and CEO of Enigma Semiconductor. "HybriCore enables excellent system economics, comparable to what is typically delivered by Ethernet technologies. Chips based on HybriCore will push more user bandwidth through any given backplane than any other solution, delivered in a low cost, low power package with great scalability."

High-Speed Serial Link Technology from Rambus Inc.

The first chipset implementation of the HybriCore architecture is expected to sample in Q1 2006, and will incorporate industry-leading high-speed interconnect serial link technology licensed from Rambus Inc. Rambus' serial link technology provides 6 - 10 Gbps backplane interconnects suitable for both legacy and greenfield applications. The licensed technology includes robust equalization and reflection cancellation, dynamic adaptation algorithms, variable data rates, and enables reliable real-time link health monitoring through a proprietary on-chip diagnostics feature.

"The Enigma implementation of Rambus' backplane technology represents a significant technological breakthrough in usable bandwidth across the backplane," said Kevin Donnelly, vice president of engineering for Rambus Inc. "Coupling our advanced serial interconnect with Enigma's breakthrough in backplane efficiency reinforces Rambus' position at the forefront of next-generation communications equipment."

Eliminating Overspeed

In cell-based switching implementations, the only available path to alleviate backplane inefficiency has been through scheduling improvements. To achieve non-blocking performance, legacy switch solutions require significant amounts of wasted bandwidth commonly called overspeed or speedup.

Incorporating a protocol-agnostic switching mechanism, HybriCore seamlessly carries both packets and cells without internal segmentation. This breakthrough eliminates reassembly, reordering and the associated cell tax that contribute to the cost and complexity of legacy cell-based switch fabrics. Because the HybriCore architecture schedules packets directly, nearly 100 percent of raw backplane serial link bandwidth is available for user and system throughput.

"Enigma's HybriCore opens a new opportunity for system OEMs designing platforms with 10- and 40-gigabit line cards to deliver the high speed, high density bandwidth required for next generation triple play applications," said Simon Stanley, principal consultant for Earlswood Marketing, Earlswood UK. "By integrating cell- and packet-based switching with best-in-class serial link technology, Enigma has created a high speed switching solution that will meet most user bandwidth demands through a wide variety of backplanes supporting both proprietary and standard platforms such as AdvancedTCA."

About Enigma Semiconductor

Enigma Semiconductor is an emerging leader in chip-level 10G and 40G switch fabric solutions for next generation networking systems. The Company's unique architecture combined with its advances in component integration enable system developers to break new ground in system efficiency. A fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. and with research and development in Copenhagen, Enigma Semiconductor is backed by key technology investors including InnovationsKapital, Northzone Ventures, Startupfactory, Techno Venture Management, and Vaekstfonden. Visit Enigma Semiconductor on the web at www.enigmasemi.com.