New OnSpec(TM) Controller Sets Speed Record Managing CompactFlash Data; xSil251 Memory Controller Enables 9MB/s Faster Data Transfers Than Any Other USB 2.0 Options.

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- IntellaSys Corporation today launched its new OnSpec(TM) xSil251 memory controller citing independent test results that conclude it to be faster than any other options for enabling memory data transfers for UDMA CompactFlash (CF)/Microdrive or IDE Hard Disk Drive via USB 2.0 interface. The xSil251 launch has been timed to meet the growing OEM demand for a speedy controller on two fronts, first to support new media such as CF Cards in both PIO 6 and UDMA 4 modes, and secondly to provide a low-cost, easy-to-use USB 2.0 option for controlling external IDE Hard Drives singly or two of them as one.

In evaluating an early sample of OnSpec's xSil251-based controller, Rob Galbraith, a distinguished digital photojournalist and consultant independently concluded, "Not only is it the quickest PIO Mode 6 USB 2.0 'reader' we've tested to date, its UDMA support translates into 26.2MB/second transfers from an Extreme IV 2GB CompactFlash card to our test PC. While this is well short of an Extreme IV card's capabilities, it's also about 9MB/second quicker than any other USB 2.0 reader option we're aware of." Galbraith is also publisher and co-editor of "Digital Photography Insights" -- a timely web publication, which can be viewed at www.robgalbraith.com.

According to Bryan Chin, OnSpec product marketing manager, the proprietary xSil251 technology highlights OnSpec branding strategy to innovate the most advanced memory management controllers for OEMs needing to interface their products with new media that specify ever faster read/write speeds and larger memory capacities. "We believe our new xSil251 chip is the only controller available today with full UDMA 4 and PIO 6 support for the new CF Cards," asserted Chin. "The only comparable speed option is to use a Firewire-to-CF solution, which is far more costly than using an xSil251-based controller offered by one of our OEM customers."

Chin noted that the xSil251 can be configured to manage either a USB-to-CF or USB-to-IDE/ATA interface, but not both simultaneously. Configured for the IDE/ATA interface, the xSil251 allows two hard drives to operate as one, providing a low-cost solution for data backup. "This feature can handle up to 2 terabytes capacity, making it far more attractive when you consider the alternative of using a single high-capacity Hard Drive at a premium price."

OnSpec supports its new chip with additional software that provides the end user with convenient features. OEMs opting to include this software with their xSil-based controllers can enable users to backup data with a simple one-touch pushbutton. For OEMs offering a portable USB to Hard Drive solution, OnSpec software also enables use of the drive independent of the PC system being used.

Now Shipping to OEMs

The xSil251 chip, integrated with USB 2.0 PHY and Serial EEPROM port, has begun shipping to OEMs in a 48-pin 9mm x 9mm LQFP package. OnSpec expects several OEMs to offer controllers to serve USB-to-CF and USB-to-IDE/ATA applications. Among the OEMs currently planning to bring xSil251-based controllers to market are Dura Micro Inc. and Ma Labs Inc. Due to competitive strategies, OnSpec is disclosing pricing information only to qualified OEMs.

About OnSpec

As an operating entity of IntellaSys Corporation, OnSpec is a leading provider of Flash Memory Card and Hard Drive R/W solutions that deploy an integrated 16-bit RISC processor optimized for power, performance, and price, as well as over 10 years of software compatibility and system platform development. OnSpec offers a comprehensive line of SOC solutions targeted to the consumer, peripheral and PC marketplace. Further information can be found at http://www.onspecinc.com.

About IntellaSys

IntellaSys Corporation is a TPL Group Enterprise focused on developing distributed digital media semiconductor solutions including SEAforth multicore processors, OnSpec memory controllers and Indigita content secure connectivity devices. With headquarters in Cupertino, California, IntellaSys operates seven design centers, three of which are in California as well as four others based in Tempe, Arizona; Castle Rock, Colorado; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Vienna, Austria. The TPL Group, founded in 1988, specializes in the development, commercialization and management of IP assets. For more information, visit www.intellasys.net.

IntellaSys, SEAforth, OnSpec, and Indigita are trademarks of Technology Properties Limited (TPL).

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