Semtech's USAR Introduces Touch Screen Controller/Digitizer for Wireless Internet Appliances; Zero-Power, Noise Resistant IC Supports Handwriting Recognition.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

NEWBURY PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 2000

Semtech's USAR Division (Nasdaq:SMTC) a leading producer of input device and system management electronics, announced the immediate availability of the ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial, the first Zero-Power(TM) touch screen controller with built-in digitizer designed specifically for RISC-based systems, such as Tablet PCs, Web Pads, Smart Phones, PDAs and other Wireless Internet Appliances.

To support the power management needs of these battery-operated devices, the ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial boasts typical power consumption of less than 1 microAmp. The single, small footprint IC interfaces the system via either the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) or an Asynchronous Serial Interface port, both of which are ubiquitously available in RISC chipsets.

The IC is also capable of providing other features necessary to portable, wireless systems, such as battery monitoring and General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO).

Equipped with a proprietary, advanced motion algorithm, the ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial performs all touch detection, noise filtering and error elimination internally, providing the host with processed and stable positioning data. The result is smooth, non-jittery cursor control.

Unlike simple A/D implementations, complicated software drivers are unnecessary and no processing burden is placed on the main CPU. This further reduces system power consumption. Due to the IC's superior data processing and sampling rate, the ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial is ideal for use in systems requiring handwriting recognition.

In addition, the IC is extremely resistant to RF and other types of noise, thereby minimizing the effects of, for example, cell phone interference on cursor control.

The ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial, will interface to any 4- or 8-wire touch screen, regardless of manufacturer, freeing OEMs from single vendor dependence. The IC also offers an external PS/2 port for the hot-plug connection of an external PS/2 pointing device, including MouseWheel and 5-button mice. This allows OEMs to easily integrate an alternate pointing device in their systems.

The ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial implements two proprietary power management techniques to further minimize power consumption in battery-operated systems. The first, System directed power management enables the system to power-down the IC during critical suspend using a dedicated shut-down pin. Self-Power Management(TM), independent of any system intervention, results in the lowest power consumption possible within the given parameters of its operation.

In Stop mode, the lowest power and most common mode, the oscillator is stopped and the IC consumes only 1 microAmp of leakage current -- next to nothing, even with an enabled/active mouse connected to the external PS/2 port.

Significant power savings can be realized since the main CPU can power down leaving the ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial active in Stop mode. When the screen is touched by the user, the ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial will wake up the main CPU immediately and transparently to the user. The IC is active only briefly, to process an event from the external mouse or while the screen is touched.

Semtech's USAR has significant experience in meeting the needs of portable systems. It's SPICoder(TM) SPI keyboard encoder and power manager, Juno(TM) handheld companion IC and SerialCoder(TM) encoder for add-on keyboards are widely used in battery-operated devices and are included in several reference designs for portables.

Key Features of the ScreenCoder(TM)SPI/Serial IC (UR7HCTS2-S840):

-- Touch screen controller plus digitizer in a single, small footprint IC

-- Interfaces the system via either Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) or
Asynchronous Serial Interface

-- Works with any 4- or 8-wire resistive touch screen regardless of size,
material or vendor

-- Zero-Power(TM)operation -- IC typically consumes less than 1 microAmp

-- Provides high resolution of 1000 points per axis and a sampling rate of 200
Hz

-- Accurate, quick touch response due to advanced sampling technology and
patented algorithms

-- Highly resistant to RF and other noises

-- Offers external PS/2 port for the hot-plug connection of an external PS/2
pointing device

-- Capable of providing other features, such as battery monitoring and GPIO

-- PS/2 (UR5HCTS2-P840) and USB (UR5HCTS2-U860) versions also available

Pricing and Availability

Turn-key evaluation kits for the ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial, part number EVK7-TS2-S840-XXX, which include the board, touch screen, cables and documentation, are available for $200. For more information on the ScreenCoder(TM) SPI/Serial IC, visit the direct link at: http://www.usar.com/prodnser/mousec/screencspiserial.htm or contact sales at [e-mail].

About Semtech

Semtech Corp. is a leading supplier of power management, transient protection, system management, high-performance, and advanced communications semiconductor products for portable and high-speed communications applications. USAR Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Semtech Corp., designs and produces Human Input Device (HID) Management electronics and System Management products.

Geared chiefly to the portable and hand-held markets, USAR's HID products include pre-programmed ICs for keyboards, mice, touch screens, etc. System management products include ACPI-compliant embedded controllers with integrated keyboard and other HID functionality.

Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol SMTC. A comprehensive listing of Semtech's many employment opportunities may be found at www.semtech.com. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 652 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, Calif. 91320; phone: [phone]; e-mail to [e-mail].

Note to Editors: USAR and the USAR logo are registered trademarks of USAR Systems - A Semtech Company. ScreenCoder, Zero-Power and Self-Power Management are trademarks of USAR Systems - A Semtech Company. All trademarks utilized in this document are the sole property of their respective owners.