Cypress MicroSystems Adds Integrated Modem Capabilities to Programmable System on Chip -PSoC- Mixed Signal Array
BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2003--
Development Software Enables Design Engineers to Add
On-Chip Connectivity to Embedded Systems, Including
Vending Machines, ATMs and Control Instrumentation
Cypress MicroSystems, Inc., a subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor
Corporation (NYSE:CY), today announced new software capabilities that
enable embedded designers to easily add modem connectivity to systems
based on the Programmable System on Chip(TM) (PSoC(TM)) device family.
PSoC products are based on a configurable mixed-signal array with an
on-board controller, providing a low-cost, single-chip solution for a
variety of consumer, industrial and control applications.
Embedded designers can now leverage the flexibility of the PSoC
architecture to add connectivity to their systems without increasing
costs and component inventory. Using free development software,
designers can create multiple configurations on a single device and
switch between them on the fly. This dynamic reconfiguration enables
designers to reuse the chip's analog and digital resources to create a
modem that extends the capabilities of a device without impacting its
ability to perform the primary application. For example, a PSoC device
can be configured to take measurements in a system, dynamically
reconfigure itself into a modem to transmit data, and then reconfigure
itself back into a measurement system.
Cypress MicroSystems further simplifies modem implementations with
PSoC Designer(TM), the integrated development environment used to
configure the resources inside of a PSoC device with a few clicks of a
mouse. The software offers a broad library of pre-built "user
modules," which automatically configure the chip's internal hardware
resources and create the Application Programming Interface (API)
software for commonly-used peripheral functions. Designers can take
advantage of the intelligence built into the user modules to easily
configure a PSoC device to perform the functions necessary for a
modem.
"Built-in modem capabilities can turn common devices into
intelligent appliances that communicate over standard phone networks,"
said John McDonald, vice president of marketing for Cypress
MicroSystems. "With the ability to report data into a central
repository, machines such as vending machines, pay telephones, ATMs
and control instrumentation can be remotely monitored and maintained.
The reprogrammable PSoC hardware and powerful software simplify modem
implementations and bring cost-effective connectivity to virtually any
embedded design."
Modem connectivity has traditionally required multichip
microcontroller-based solutions with many additional components, due
to the resource-intensive and mixed-signal nature of a modem. In
contrast, designers can use the new PSoC modem configuration, combined
with a minimal amount of external passive circuitry, to create a Bell
103 and V.21-compatible modem. The Bell 103 and v.21 standards are
used in embedded applications where the number of bytes transferred is
low, and the speed to establish the connection is the most important
performance factor.
About the PSoC Family
The PSoC device family integrates programmable blocks of analog
and digital logic, a fast 8-bit CPU, 8 to 16 Kbytes of Flash memory
and 256 bytes of SRAM. PSoC provides designers with a flexible
architecture that can be configured for a broad range of embedded
applications and dynamically reconfigured to extend the capabilities
and value of their product. The PSoC platform typically reduces
customer development time by 33% and lowers bill of material costs by
an average of $5, by significantly reducing the number of chips
required for solutions utilizing a traditional microcontroller and
discrete digital and analog components.
Pricing and Availability
The PSoC CY8C26xxx family is currently available for 1,000-unit
pricing of $2.80 to $4.55. All PSoC devices include the free PSoC
Designer Software Tool Set, an integrated development environment.
Customers may also purchase the Basic Development Kit, including the
PSoC ICE-4000, for $248.
About Cypress MicroSystems
Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., Cypress MicroSystems develops and
markets Programmable System on Chip (PSoC) devices - high-performance,
field-programmable ICs for high-volume embedded control functions in
consumer, industrial, office automation, telecom and automotive
applications. Established as a subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor
Corporation (NYSE:CY) in the fourth quarter of 1999, Cypress
MicroSystems' stockholders are its employees and Cypress
Semiconductor. The close association with Cypress Semiconductor allows
access to their process and design technology, and field sales and
applications forces. More information about Cypress MicroSystems and
its products is accessible online at www.cypressmicro.com.
About Cypress
Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:CY) is Connecting From
Last Mile to First Mile(TM) with high-performance solutions for
personal, network access, enterprise, metro switch, and core
communications-system applications. Cypress Connects(TM) using
wireless, wireline, digital, and optical transmission standards,
including Bluetooth, USB, Fibre Channel, SONET/SDH, Gigabit Ethernet,
and DWDM. Leveraging its process and system-level expertise, Cypress
makes industry-leading physical layer devices, framers, and network
search engines, along with a broad portfolio of high-bandwidth
memories, timing technology solutions, and programmable
microcontrollers. More information about Cypress is accessible online
at www.cypress.com.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995: Statements herein that are not historical facts
are "forward-looking statements" involving risks and uncertainties,
including but not limited to: the effect of global economic conditions,
shifts in supply and demand, market acceptance, the impact of
competitive products and pricing, product development,
commercialization and technological difficulties, and capacity and
supply constraints. Please refer to Cypress's Securities and Exchange
Commission filings for a discussion of such risks.
Cypress and the Cypress logo are registered trademarks of Cypress
Semiconductor Corporation. "Connectivity From Last Mile to First Mile"
and "Cypress Connects" are trademarks of Cypress. "Programmable System
on Chip," PSoC and "PSoC Designer" are trademarks of Cypress
MicroSystems. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
CONTACT: Cypress Public Relations
Molly Mulloy, 408/432-7042
MOK@cypress.com
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