Semtech's Versatile Keyboard Encoder Boasts a User-Programmable Matrix and Auto-Detecting Interface; Ultimate KeyCoder Scans Any Keyboard and Interfaces to USB or PS/2.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

NEWBURY PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 7, 2002

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq:SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, computers and industrial equipment, today announced availability of the Ultimate KeyCoder(R) SH1101, a fully programmable keyboard encoder that provides developers with an elegant solution to encode any keyboard. The encoder IC can be programmed by the user to scan any keyboard matrix of up to 8 rows and 16 columns. Further versatility is achieved by the device's ability to automatically detect and switch to the interface of the host port, whether it is USB or PS/2.

The matrix for the Ultimate KeyCoder(R) SH1101 can be programmed off-line. It can also be programmed in-place, while the keyboard assembly is connected to the USB port of a Microsoft(R) Windows(R) host system, using a Windows-based application provided by Semtech. The developer can thus customize the IC as required, without the cost or delay of ordering a custom part. The product offers the added benefit of deferred definition; so, even after assembly, the developer can change the keyboard, specific keyboard matrix features (such as special function keys and macro keys), and even the interface to the host system.

The Ultimate KeyCoder(R) SH1101 is useful for any keyboard that needs to interface with a PC's PS/2 or USB port. It is ideally suited to industrial keyboards, point-of-sale (POS) keyboards, desktop keyboards, portable device keyboards, and similar vertical applications. The device is power efficient in both modes of operation, but especially so when connected to the host's PS/2 port, where it enters stop mode (typically consuming 180 microamperes) after 200ms of inactivity.

"The Ultimate KeyCoder(R) expedites time-to-market by making keyboard development simpler, faster and more flexible," stated Mike Alwais, Director of the Human Interface Device (HID) and System Management Products at Semtech. "This versatile product offers the features of a whole series of standard and custom encoders in a single part, thereby lowering a developer's engineering resource commitment and total solution cost."

Key Features of the Ultimate KeyCoder(R) SH1101:

-- User-programmable matrix for universal applicability

-- Auto-detecting USB or PS/2 interface to host

-- Deferred definition allows design revision after hardware assembly

-- Built-in power management minimizes power consumption o Provides port for
external PS/2 device

-- Automatic discard of "phantom" or "ghost" key presses

Pricing and Availability

The SH1101, provided in a 44-pin QFP package, is available now. Prices start at $4.25 for production quantities of 10,000 pieces. Evaluation kits are also available.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, over-voltage and transient protection, human interface devices & system management, high-performance applications and advanced communications. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 652 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, CA. 91320; phone [phone]; email to [e-mail]; or visit its Web site at www.semtech.com.

Note: Semtech, the Semtech logo and KeyCoder are either trademarks or registered marks of Semtech Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All trademarks utilized in this release are the sole property of their respective owners.