Conexant Unveils First Single-Chip Modem for Games, Handheld Devices And other E-Appliances for the Internet
One Easy-To-Integrate Semiconductor Device Provides A Complete, Low-Cost Connectivity Solution With A Single Interface To Any Telephone Network In The World
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2000-- Conexant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNXT - news) Monday introduced the industry's first single-chip modem to include all of the functions necessary for quickly and inexpensively incorporating global Internet connectivity into a broad range of Internet appliances, also known as e-appliances, such as game consoles and handheld devices.
Conexant's SmartSCM(TM) solution combines on a single device a modem controller, data pump, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM) and a universal silicon data access arrangement (silicon DAA) telephone-network interface.
The SmartSCM reduces the design time and board space, as well as engineering and system costs required to incorporate modem connectivity into a wide variety of e-appliances, and is the only solution that can be used to build a single modem design that will interface with any major telephone network in the world.
``Dial-up modem connectivity is becoming an increasingly popular feature of handheld devices and video game consoles, and SmartSCM will make it even easier for manufacturers to deliver this capability to their customers,' said Matt Rhodes, senior vice president and general manager for Conexant's Personal Computing Division. ``SmartSCM gives manufacturers the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective way to enable dial-up modem connectivity in these new e-appliance platforms.'
``Conexant's SmartSCM solution targets a sweet spot in this fast-growing market,' said Shannon Pleasant, senior analyst, Cahner's In-Stat Group. ``Dial-up modem technology is still the most ubiquitous Internet access technology available, and Conexant now offers a way to broadly proliferate this technology throughout the rapidly emerging e-appliance domain.'
Conexant offers its SmartSCM solution in versions that support the industry-standard V.32 bis, V.34 or V.90 modem modulations. Because the devices are all pin-compatible, customers can start with a lower-speed modem modulation and then migrate their platforms to a higher-speed modulation without changing their hardware design.
Further simplifying design requirements, the SmartSCM solution's silicon DAA eliminates the need for country-specific modem board configurations. Customers can bundle a single SmartSCM modem solution into their products and then program them for use with any phone system in the world.
``The Internet is a worldwide phenomenon that is rapidly moving beyond the personal computer to a wide variety of exciting new product platforms,' said SungHo Kim, manager of research and development at Samsung. ``SmartSCM will allow us to deliver the Internet experience to our customers in more ways than ever before, virtually anywhere in the world.'
``Conexant's SmartSCM will be incorporated into our latest board for handheld PCs,' said Robert Ragusano, business development manager, I/O products of Smart Modular Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Solectron Corp.'s Technology Solutions Business Unit, and leading independent manufacturer of specialty and standard memory modules, flash memory cards, high-performance embedded computer boards and I/O product solutions. ``Together, we're helping deliver highly integrated e-appliance solutions.'
Conexant's SmartSCM solution is available immediately in a 128-pin thin quad flat pack (TQFP), and priced at $22.50 in volume quantities of 10,000. Conexant also offers a complete, easy-to-use reference design, available now.
About Conexant Systems
With revenues of approximately $1.5 billion, 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.
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