Billy- My limit orders for ADI seem never to execute, but hey, who knows in this market-
Hayes and Analog Devices Collaborate on Next-Generation Cable Modems
09:48am EST 10-Dec-97
Analog Devices, Inc., (ADI) (NYSE: ADI) and Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. today announced a collaborative effort to develop next-generation
chipsets and cable modem products that achieve higher data rates over hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable networks. Hayes' cable modems will be based on
interoperability standards set by the Multimedia Cable Network Systems (MCNS) consortium. The combination of Hayes' brand and modem expertise
with the proven semiconductor expertise of ADI translates to more robust performance with secure, low-risk connectivity for cable operators and
consumers alike. For cable operators, this collaboration eases the transition into retail channels to support Internet-via-cable without purchasing and
leasing cable modems to subscribers.
"The technology and cost requirements we demand can be met by Analog Devices," said Alan Adamson, Director of Hayes' Broadband Business Unit.
"This collaboration represents an opportunity to combine the proven Hayes brand with the signal processing expertise of ADI. With Hayes' established
channels of distribution, we can bring the product to market quickly because Hayes sells to the end-user already."
"Our aim is to focus on high-growth digital communications markets like cable modems where our signal processing expertise and skill-set can enable
Hayes to leverage its brand and assert itself with products that provide scaleable new-wave services, including IP telephony and virtual private
networking," said Russ Johnsen, vice president and general manager of Analog Devices' Communications Division. "ADI possesses the singular ability
to integrate world-class converter technology and digital signal processing, both of which are essential to all forms of digital communications and cable
modems."
Hayes will utilize Analog Devices' highly integrated, programmable, full-duplex up/downstream signal processing chipsets and apply them to modems
with maximum data transfer rates at 43 Mbps downstream and 10 Mbps upstream. All products will be MCNS-compliant to Data Over Cable Service
Interface Specifications (DOCSIS). Initial designs are expected to utilize the single-chip AD6201, comprising a downstream QAM demodulator, upstream
QPSK/16 QAM modulator, analog and digital data converters, and programmable control and interface circuitry. Future products are expected to
integrate head-end technology for a more complete, standards-based solution with embedded return paths and secure, end-to-end interoperability.
The collaboration between Analog Devices' and Hayes is strengthened by an ongoing technology and development alliance with ADI's signal
processing partner, Libit Signal Processing Ltd., based in Israel. The AD6201, co-developed with Libit, involves the integration of proven core
technology for QAM supplied by Libit and QPSK technology supplied by ADI. Both cores have been demonstrated at Cable Labs and proven to be
highly interoperable. The AD6201, the world's first single-chip cable modem, is the industry's most highly integrated mixed-signal cable modem device
to date.
For cable system operators who want to deliver Internet access at megabit speeds, Hayes' prototype modems for field trials should be available as early
as Q2 '98. Hayes anticipates availability at select regional retail outlets as early as Q4 '98. MCNS-compliant product demonstrations will be held at
Hayes' booth #4810 (Hall D) at The Western Show in Anaheim, CA on December 10-12, 1997.
With sales of $1.2 billion for fiscal 1997, Analog Devices, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of precision high-performance integrated circuits used in analog
and digital signal processing applications. Headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, the company employs approximately 7,500 people worldwide
and has manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Ireland, the Philippines and Taiwan.
Hayes, the company that invented personal computer communications via the modem, recently entered into a merger agreement with Access Beyond
(Nasdaq: ACCB), a maker of remote access servers. The enlarged new company, to be renamed Hayes Communications Inc., will carry the strong Hayes
brand into high tech-growth markets such as lower-cost remote access communications servers, cable modems and ADSL.
Based in Norcross, Georgia, Hayes markets its ULTRA(TM), ACCURA(TM), OPTIMA(TM), Practical Peripherals(TM) and CENTURY(TM) brands of
modems, remote access servers and terminal adapters along with Smartcom(TM) communications software worldwide. Hayes introduced the PC modem
in 1981 and celebrates its 20-year anniversary in 1998. Today, with distributors in more than 45 countries, it is one of the largest manufacturers of
modems in the world. For more information about Hayes and the company's award-winning product lines, visit the Hayes Web site at
hayes.com.
Libit Signal Processing Ltd. was founded in 1994 by a group of prominent scientists and engineers, including internationally recognized experts in the
fields of digital signal processing and digital communications. The company utilizes leading-edge technologies in the design, development and
manufacture of modem solutions and products for advanced digital communication applications. Its product lines include software DSP-based
V.34+/V.PCM (33.6/56Kbps) telephone-line modem solutions, and IC modem devices according to the DVB, DAVIC and the MCNS specifications for
cable modem and set-top box applications. The company is headquartered in Israel with North American co-headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, NJ and
Los Altos, CA. Libit's products are sold worldwide. |
