Xicor Introduces Non-Volatile Digitally Adjustable 1.25V Reference; X60250 Integrates 8-Bit Precision Voltage Reference with 256-Tap DCP and Power on Recall Function.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2003

Xicor, Inc. (Nasdaq:XICO), a leading supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, today announced the X60250, a Digitally Adjustable Voltage Reference. The X60250 is a fully integrated solution that combines a temperature compensated band-gap voltage reference with a non-volatile Digitally Controlled Potentiometer (DCP) to provide a precision adjustable reference with a range of 0.0V to 1.25V.

The reference voltage is changed by addressing the DCP via a bi-directional 2-wire serial bus. The reference voltage setting is retained in the internal non-volatile memory when power is disconnected and the Power on Recall circuit restores the X60250 to the stored voltage upon power-up. The serial bus also functions as the data transfer port for address read functions. An additional 100k ohm resistor, matched to the 100k ohm DCP, is included to increase resolution of the output voltage without sacrificing accuracy.

The non-volatile programmability of the X60250 is a key component in low voltage systems requiring gain, bias and reference voltage calibrations such as data acquisition systems, linear voltage regulators, DC/DC converters and motor controllers. Target applications include data acquisition systems requiring pre-configured reference voltage levels, signal-conditioning circuits to set zero offset and span correction for sensors, process control adjustments requiring parameter retention and bias voltages for power amplifier gain.

"By integrating a precision reference with the ability to perform in-circuit adjustment, the X60250 offers several advantages over discrete solutions for manufacturing, calibration, tuning or trimming applications," stated Sidney Chan, Xicor product marketing engineer. "Not only does the X60250 eliminate the need for a microcontroller and associated code for adjustment, it can also help systems to maintain high levels of performance by adjusting for aging, drift and temperature without any hardware changes. In addition, the X60250 is much more precise than adjustable voltage references that use either external resistor divider networks or mechanical potentiometers, both of which can drift over time and require manual adjustments. The X60250 saves manufacturing costs and increases system reliability."

X60250 Features

-- Reference voltage adjustable:

-- +/-0.25% over 0V to 1.25V Range

-- +/-0.10% over 0.625V to 1.25V Range

-- 20 ppm/(degree)C temperature coefficient 

-- On-Chip 8-bit 100k ohm Digitally Controlled Potentiometer

-- On-Chip Matched 100k ohm resistor for increased resolution

over a smaller range

-- Programmable Resolution (255 steps):

-- 4.90mV over 0V to 1.25V Range

-- 2.45mV over 0.625V to 1.25V Range

-- 2.7V to 5.5V Supply Range

-- 2-Wire Interface for Programming Reference Setting

-- Low 20uA Supply current in normal mode

-- 8-pin TSSOP package

Xicor will be offering an evaluation kit and software support for this product. Production samples are available in 8-pin TSSOP packaging with 1,000 unit pricing starting at $1.65 USD.

Xicor Corporate Information

Xicor designs, develops and markets high performance analog mixed-signal integrated circuits used in communications, computing, networking and industrial applications. Xicor's Mixed-Signal Products include data conversion products, power management integrated circuits, and application specific standard products and interface devices. Xicor's programmable analog mixed-signal components regulate, control, convert and manage various voltages and currents using a serial interface and internal EEPROM.

Xicor product, corporate and financial information are readily available on the World Wide Web at http://www.xicor.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks may include the impact of competing products and pricing, timely design acceptance by our customers, timely ability to ramp new products into volume production, industry wide shifts in supply and demand for semiconductor products, and other risks detailed from time to time in Xicor's SEC filings.

"Xicor" is a registered trademark and "XDCP" is a trademark belonging to Xicor, Inc.

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