SMSC Launches Next Generation Non-PCI Ethernet Controller Family Targeting Networked Consumer Electronics Applications.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Chips Enable Designers to Quickly Deliver Cost-Effective Ethernet Solutions with HP Auto-MDIX and Industrial Temperature Range Support

SMSC (NASDAQ:SMSC), the market leader in providing Ethernet solutions for embedded applications, today introduced its third generation family of 10/100 non-PCI Ethernet controllers, the LAN921X family, at the Embedded Systems conference in San Jose. SMSC's LAN9215 addresses the growing demand to connect multiple devices in the home seamlessly and without user intervention by supporting additional features like HP Auto-MDIX. It targets embedded and consumer electronics markets that require high performance and ease-of-use. The LAN9218I is intended for embedded markets that require industrial temperature range support and high performance.

"Consumer electronics designers are introducing a growing number of devices that support networking in the home. SMSC's vision is for end users to fully enjoy the benefits of interactive media and shared content through devices that are linked using a cost-effective, easy to use networking technology," said Vamshi Kandalla, Director of Marketing - Networking Products at SMSC. "The LAN9215 and LAN9218I are helping to drive this vision by supporting features enabling high definition video streaming inside the home, while providing wide temperature ranges necessary for industrial applications."

Ethernet is a high-throughput, low-cost networking technology, which has become the most ubiquitous solution for providing networking connectivity in the home. The LAN921X family leverages SMSC's leadership and rich expertise in developing and scaling non-PCI Ethernet solutions for a broad range of embedded and consumer applications. It is also well suited to optimize costs for these applications by not requiring a PCI bus. Designers seeking to network home consumer applications are requiring less complex and costly solutions and non-PCI is a natural choice.

The LAN9215 is designed to provide networking connectivity to consumer electronic devices, such as set-top boxes, digital televisions, digital video recorders, digital media adapters, printers and more. Large memory buffers containing fine granularity, Memory Alignment Technology that reduces load on the host processor, and HP Auto-MDIX support helps eliminate confusion over proper cable types for use in connecting networked devices. As a result, the LAN9215 provides a high performance and easy to use solution. The LAN9218I also supports industrial temperature ranges (-40C to +85C) enabling high performance options in embedded applications such as industrial and building automation, networked camera systems, POS terminals, wireless routers, etc.

Key Features of the LAN9215 and LAN9218I

    --  Power Management

        --  Wake-on-LAN support allows network to wake-up consumer
            electronics devices from sleep state
        --  Multiple low-power modes

    --  Built-in Flow Control Support

        --  Prevents receive memory from overflowing
        --  Uses either 802.3 "PAUSE" packets or "back-pressure"
            (half-duplex links)

    --  HP Auto-MDIX support

        --  Automatically ensures viable connections between LAN
            devices
        --  Eliminates the need for "crossover" cables

    --  Simple SRAM System Interface

        --  Interfaces to any embedded processor
        --  Requires own chip select

    --  Driver Support for Multiple Processors & Operating Systems

    --  Industrial Temperature support (LAN9218I only)

Availability

Samples of the LAN9215 and LAN9218I will be available in April 2006.

About SMSC

Many of the world's most successful global technology companies rely upon SMSC as a go-to resource for semiconductor system solutions that span analog, digital and mixed-signal technologies. Leveraging substantial intellectual property, integration expertise and a comprehensive global infrastructure, SMSC solves design challenges and delivers performance, space, cost and time-to-market advantages to its customers. SMSC's application focus targets key vertical markets including mobile and desktop PCs, servers, consumer electronics, automotive infotainment and industrial applications. The Company has developed leadership positions in its select markets by providing application specific solutions such as mixed-signal PC system controllers, non-PCI Ethernet, ARCNET, MOST, Hi-Speed USB and other high-speed serial communications.

SMSC is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York with operations in North America, Asia and Europe. Engineering design centers are located in Arizona, New York, Texas and Karlsruhe, Germany. Additional information is available at http://www.smsc.com.

SMSC is a registered trademark of Standard Microsystems Corporation.