Simon-Kaloi Engineering Selects Analog Devices' Blackfin(TM) Processor and RTXC(TM) RTOS for Multimedia Theme-Park Applications; Control and Data Streaming Capabilities Ideal for Integrated Sound, Light and Motion Controllers.

BOSTON -- Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications, and Quadros Systems, Inc., a leading supplier of configurable and scaleable real-time operating systems (RTOS), today announced that Simon-Kaloi Engineering has chosen the combination of the Blackfin Processor and the RTXC Quadros RTOS as the core convergent processing platform for its line of high-performance, multimedia systems used by the world's leading theme parks.

The Blackfin ADSP-BF533 processor and RTXC Quadros dual-mode operating system will power the rPOD 10.2, a highly integrated product with 10.2 channels of 24-bit audio, DMX512 control, a MIDI interface, general-purpose I/O, and several other functions. Managed by the Blackfin-RTXC convergent solution, the rPOD offers any combination of independent or synchronized playback with ten different audio tracks on ten different channels, control of the DMX lighting standard, and sychronization of digital output control for animation and motion control.

"We needed a platform that brought together signal processing and control," noted Dennis Kaloi, president of Simon-Kaloi Engineering. "With the speed and capabilities of the Blackfin Processor, we were able to replace a larger, more expensive general-purpose processor and external boards. We are able to handle all of the audio processing plus lighting controls with a single Blackfin Processor. Although we're porting only the rPOD at this point, we look forward to migrating our entire product line to Blackfin processors."

Blackfin is ideal for the rPOD migration because it combines breakthrough signal-processing performance and power efficiency in a RISC programming model. The processors allow flexible resource allocation between complex real-time signal processing tasks and non-real-time control tasks with system control tasks often running in parallel to signal-processing tasks.

The RTXC Quadros RTOS alone offers a dual-mode capability. The dual-mode RTOS optimizes both streaming media and control operations in a unified kernel architecture. By having an RTOS capable of segmenting DSP processes as high priority threads with very low overhead and yet continuing to provide robust, event-based control processing, developers are able to maximize system resources and create more headroom in their application.

"In the theme park industry, time to market is also very important," added Rick Simon, CFO of SKE. "We are using ADI's VisualDSP++ IDDE in combination with the Blackfin EZ Kit Lite evaluation board, which includes a design that serves as a reference point for us. An added benefit in choosing RTXC Quadros is that it is fully integrated with the VisualDSP++ tools. This level of hardware/software integration has proven to speed our time to market."

"Convergent Processing is clearly a significant new direction in embedded processing design and Blackfin processors are uniquely positioned to meet this need," stated Tom Barrett, CEO of Quadros Systems. "Increasingly customers are moving toward low-power, high-performance, processors that can readily handle multiple processing tasks for communications, connectivity, and multiple media applications while remaining cost effective."

"Quadros Systems dual-mode RTOS is ideal for today's Convergent Processing applications," commented John Croteau, General Manager, Convergent Platforms and Services Group, Analog Devices, Inc. "The coming together of multimedia, control and communications puts a lot of stress on traditional microprocessor and RTOS solutions, our combined technologies answer the needs of convergent applications and deliver those solutions in a platform that minimizes footprint, power consumption and cost."

Blackfin in Convergent Processing

Analog Devices' Blackfin(R) Processors embody a new breed of 16/32-bit embedded processor with the industry's highest performance and power efficiency for applications where a convergence of capabilities - multiformat audio, video, voice and image processing; multi-mode baseband and packet processing; and real-time security and control processing -- are critical. It is this powerful combination of software flexibility and scalability that has gained Blackfin widespread adoption in convergent applications such as portable and networked media players; automotive telematics, infotainment and driver assistance; satellite and terrestrial radio; and networked security systems.

About the RTXC Quadros Family of Real-time Operating Systems

The RTXC Quadros RTOS family features four highly scalable real-time operating systems, offering distinct performance advantages for each of the major processing models. RTXC/ss (single stack) utilizes a lightweight specialized executive to support high data rate and signal processing applications. RTXC/ms (multi-stack) is optimized for control processing using an event-driven, prioritized, preemptive scheduler. RTXC/dm (dual mode) marries RTXC/ms and RTXC/ss and is ideal for convergent processing applications which combine DSP/dataflow and RISC/control processing in a single-core architecture. Both RTXC/ms and RTXC/dm are brought together under RTXC/mp (multiprocessing) in various combinations to support multicore and multiprocessor implementations.

About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "ADI" and is included in the S&P 500 Index. www.analog.com

About Quadros, Systems, Inc.

Quadros Systems, Inc. develops and markets RTXC technology, bringing together RTOS, hardware and software professionals into one development team to provide innovative technology that maximizes real-time responsiveness and eases the development process for customers. In addition to the RTXC RTOS family, Quadros Systems offers a wide range of communications stacks and middleware including RTXC Quadnet (a suite of integrated communications protocols) and RTXCflashfile (a high performance file system for resident flash devices). RTXC products have been deployed worldwide in thousands of embedded systems, serving markets such as communications, medical, and industrial automation. For more information, contact Quadros Systems, Inc. at 832-351-2830 or visit www.quadros.com.

Blackfin is a registered trademark of Analog Devices, Inc. RTXC, Quadros, Quadnet, and RTXCflashfile are trademarks of Quadros Systems, Inc. All other tradenames and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C) 2005, Quadros Systems, Inc., all rights reserved.