IMEC Launches New Range of Spread Spectrum ASICs for Wireless Communications.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 1995--Earlier this month, it was announced in Europe that IMEC has developed a range of flexible direct sequence spread spectrum ASICs, for use in satellite communications and terrestrial networks. The devices have been developed in collaboration with SAIT Systems, a Belgium telecom company, and the European Space Agency.

The family of spread spectrum chips currently available aims at niche markets where highly reliable wireless communications are required, such as industrial networks for monitoring and control.

The Programmable Mobile Communications Modem (PMCM) is a digital transceiver chip integrating baseband and IF functionality with very low implementation loss. Fully programmable spreader and correlator functions, band-limiting oversampling filters and IF up-and down-converters are on chip. The ASIC can process 10 Mchips/s and incorporates an interface for an external processor for the application-dependent functionality. The PMCM encapsulates a complexity equal to 95,000 gates.

The PMCM provides a low cost and highly-miniaturized solution for applications such as VSAT communications and terminals for Private Mobile Radio networks via satellite. Code lengths of up to 1024 are supported. The high processing gain also makes the PMCM a versatile key component for wireless LAN applications where robustness of the link is crucial, such as in industrial environments with high and unpredictable interference levels.

The Advanced Spread spectrum Transceiver ASIC (ASTRA) is a high speed, low power version of the PMCM, providing 15 Mchips/s, parallel demodulation of 4 channels and a 32-bit interface to a host processor.

The Direct Sequence Integrated Receiver with ARM (TM) Core (DIRAC) chip combines flexible and highly integrated IF receiver chain with an on-chip 32-bit ARM microprocessor core. Cost effective spread spectrum receivers, for satellite services for example, can be built using this device.

A spread spectrum development kit built around the PMCM allows users to explore programmable parameter ranges and to determine the parameter set tuned towards a particular application.

A rapid design turnaround cycle - in the order of weeks - towards customized components is possible due to the modular architecture of the devices and the advanced CATHEDRAL CAD environment developed at IMEC. Specification, synthesis and simulation at different abstraction levels are all provided in an integrated toolbox. A link with the Synopsys, Inc.'s (Mountain View, CA) design tools ensures compliance with industrial standards of ASIC design. The design path is open to any foundry.

A current development is the integration of digital, and analog modem components in an MCM (Multi-Chip Module) package, which enables further reductions in size and cost.

The next generation of ASICs will concentrate on high-speed operation for markets such as wireless LAN, wireless multimedia and wireless office products.

Pricing and Availability

Evaluation ASICs are available within 30 days. Production quantity are available in 90 to 100 days ARO. Pricing is between $110 to $270 US and depends on type and quantity ordered.

The development kit is available in Q2 '96 and is priced at $4500 US.

About IMEC:

IMEC was founded in 1984 and today is the largest independent research and development center of its kind in Europe. IMEC employs over 500 people. Its 36,000 sq. ft. clean room is dedicated to advanced research and development into semiconductor processing technologies. Its nearly $60 million revenue is derived from agreements and contracts with government agencies, aerospace and semiconductor industry companies worldwide.

IMEC Contact information:

In Europe: Patrick Pype, IMEC, 75 Kapeldreef, B3001 Leuven, Belgium - Tel.: [phone]-Fax: [phone]

In the U.S.: William vanCleemput, Delos Research Group, 333 Maude Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 - Tel.:[phone] - Fax: [phone] - EMAIL: [e-mail] -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: ARM is a trademark of Advanced RISC Machines Ltd.

CONTACT: IMEC, Belgium

Marianne Van den Broeck, [phone]

FAX: [phone]

or

IMEC Public Relations Counsel, United States

Georgia Marszalek, 415/345-7477

FAX: [phone]

EMAIL: [e-mail]