Conexant Introduces Industry's First Global Audio/Modem Solution
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2000--
Conexant's SmartAMC(TM) Provides The Most Highly Integrated And Lowest-Cost Audio/Modem Solution For PC Manufacturers
Conexant Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CNXT) Tuesday introduced the industry's first integrated audio/modem chipset that can operate across all public telephone networks worldwide.
Conexant's SmartAMC(TM) solution integrates Conexant's audio and dial-up modem technology to provide a single, worldwide solution, making it ideal for PC manufacturers targeting the price-sensitive consumer market. The company will demonstrate the new SmartAMC chip this week at Intel Developer's Forum at the San Jose Convention Center, booth no. 1029.
SmartAMC combines industry standard AC'97 audio with V.90/V.92 dial-up modem connectivity, and provides a significantly lower-cost solution by eliminating the need for a separate audio codec. The new device supports seamless operation between audio and modem functions during concurrent use, eliminating all concurrency and compatibility issues. The SmartAMC also includes advanced audio and modem features including wake-on-ring, audio game enhancement support and full duplex echo-free speakerphone. For a further cost reduction, SmartAMC incorporates an on-chip headphone driver.
In addition, it is the first audio/modem codec to allow users to experience theater-quality sound while watching a DVD movie on their PC. SmartAMC incorporates the Sony Phillips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) that provides a digital audio output to home sound systems via S/PDIF (PCM or Dolby 5.1).
"SmartAMC represents a breakthrough in audio/modem functionality for manufacturers targeting the global PC market," said Matt Rhodes, senior vice president and general manager for Conexant's Personal Computing Division. "It's an excellent representation of our vision to enable a new generation of low-cost PCs equipped with the latest audio and modem features."
Conexant's SmartAMC supports AC-Link enabled Southbridge chipsets from Acer, Intel, Via and Sis, and Intel's current and next-generation I/O controller hub (ICH) standards. Conexant's audio/modem solution also supports both new AC-Link riser architectures, the Audio Communications Riser (ACR) and the Communication Network Riser (CNR), which offer plug-and-play operation and broadband connectivity. In addition, the SmartAMC supports the audio/modem mobile daughter card (MDC), and the mini-peripheral component interface (MiniPCI) form factor.
The SmartAMC solution incorporates Conexant's patented SmartDAA(TM), or silicon data access arrangement (DAA) technology, which replaces the DAA portion of a modem or other communications device and connects the digital portion of the device to the telephone network. Previously, manufacturers developed their own DAA solutions using discrete components, or used optical DAA solutions, which have only been cost-effective for the U.S. market. In addition, silicon DAA technology reduces time-to-market for manufacturers because it eliminates the need for them to create and test multiple product versions for different countries.
Conexant's modem family includes hardware-based, software-based and "controllerless" modems, plus all associated codecs, drivers, applications and other algorithms for creating complete, host-processing system solutions. Conexant provides its customers with a single source spanning all of the requirements for creating feature-rich modem and audio solutions across a full spectrum of price/performance points.
Conexant's SmartAMC is shipping in volume now to major OEM customers worldwide. Priced at $8 in volume quantities of 10,000, the SmartAMC solution is available in a 48-pin thin quad flat pack (TQFP), and available with Silicon DAA in a 32-pin TQFP.
About Conexant Systems
With a revenue run-rate of approximately $2 billion per year, Conexant is the world's largest independent company focused exclusively on providing semiconductor solutions for communications electronics. With more than 30 years of experience in developing communications technology, the company draws upon its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products for a broad range of communications applications.
These products facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data communications networks, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems, personal imaging devices and equipment, and emerging cable and wireless broadband communications networks. The company aligns its business into five product platforms: Network Access, Wireless Communications, Digital Infotainment, Personal Imaging, and Personal Computing. Conexant is a member of the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 Indices. For more information, visit Conexant at www.conexant.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains statements relating to future results of the company (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: global and market conditions, including, but not limited to, the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the company's and its customers' products; demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; successful development of new products; the timing of new product introductions; the availability and extent of utilization of manufacturing capacity; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; changes in product mix; fluctuations in manufacturing yields; product obsolescence; the ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for the related intellectual property; the successful implementation of the company's diversification strategy; labor relations of the company, its customers and suppliers; timely completion of Year 2000 modifications by the company and its key suppliers and customers; and the uncertainties of litigation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Other brands and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.
--30--jm/np* jp/np
CONTACT:
Conexant Systems Inc., Newport Beach
Lisa Thielmann Briggs, 949/483-1148
lisa.briggs@conexant.com
or
Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide
Heather McLaughlin, 949/260-1300
heather-mclaughlin@benjamingroup.com |
