Xicor Introduces Family of Sensor Conditioning Bias Controllers For Embedded Applications; Devices Allow for Automatic Output Compensation by Using Sensor Lookup Tables

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 24, 2003--Xicor(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:XICO), a leading supplier of analog mixed-signal integrated circuits, today unveiled three new Sensor Conditioning Bias Controllers, the X96010, X96011 and X96012. These devices are targeted at various applications that include PIN diode bias control, RFPA bias control, temperature compensated process control, laser diode bias control, fan control, motor control and a variety of sensor signal conditioning or data acquisition applications.

Each of the devices contain various combinations of the following functions: an 8-bit analog to digital converter (ADC), temperature sensor, voltage reference, 8-bit digital to analog converters (DAC), current output generators and nonvolatile lookup tables with datapath selection to either internal or external data converters. Register control of DAC full scale output, reference and sensor input selection and DAC sink or source mode enables versatility for signal conditioning applications.

	   Features/Functions Table

 Device       Title     Feature/Functions
--------- ------------- -----------------
                            Internal     External    VREF     General
                           Temperature    Sensor  Input/Output Purpose
                              Sensor       Input               EEPROM
          Sensor
           Conditioner
  X96010   with Dual           No          Yes        Yes        No
           Look Up Table
           Memory and
           DACs

          Temperature
           Sensor with
  X96011   Look Up Table       Yes          No        No         No
           Memory and
           DAC

          Universal
           Sensor
  X96012   Conditioner
           with Dual
           Look Up Table
           and DACs            Yes         Yes        Yes       Yes


 Device   Feature/Functions
--------- ------------------
          Look Up Table Organization   # of Current   DAC Full Scale
                                        Output DACs      Control

 X96010           Dual Bank                Dual            Ext 

 X96011          Single Bank              Single           Int

 X96012           Dual Bank                Dual          Ext/Int


   Ext = External, Int = Internal

These devices are ideal for applications in which the implementation of independent, non-linear compensation curves are used to automatically control programmable current sources. The programmable current source outputs can be used for sensor bias current, programmable voltage sources, electronic loads, amplifier gain and offset control, or function generators.

"The Sensor Conditioning Bias Controllers provide innovative solutions that can be used to map complex conditions such as temperature, pressure, speed or position into digitally compensated curves that translate to an output current. The nonvolatile look-up tables can be programmed once or can be periodically modified to account for systematic errors and component variations. Once the compensation curves are defined and loaded into the lookup tables, the device can run independently without using a microcontroller, making the devices ideal for embedded applications," stated Tony Ochoa, product marketing manager.

These devices operate in extended temperature range from -40 degrees C to +100 degrees C and operating voltages from 3V to 5.5V. Production samples for the X96010, X96011 and X96012 are currently available in 14 pin TSSOP packaging with 1k unit prices starting at $2.40.

About Xicor

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, application specific standard products and interface devices. Xicor's programmable analog mixed-signal components regulate, control, convert and manage various voltages and currents through the use of a serial interface and internal EEPROM.

Xicor products, 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.

All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Xicor, Inc.
             Tony Ochoa, 408/546-3345
             tochoa@xicor.com