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Triad Semiconductor Inc., a pioneer in
the development of mixed signal structured
ASIC (application specific integrated circuits)
technology, announced that the MSSA-1 platform
has transitioned to production status with
austriamicrosystems
as the fabrication partner.
The MSSA Platform addresses the widening
gap between skyrocketing IC development
costs with advanced semiconductor processing
technology and the fact, that 39% of ASIC
designs reach volumes up to 100,000 units,
which do not justify these costs. Triad’s
mixed signal structured ASIC solutions enable
companies to get semiconductors to market
quickly, with low development costs and
reduced risk.
While structured ASICs are well-adopted
in the digital IC market, Triad Semiconductor’s
MSSA-1 platform takes the proven “structured
ASIC” approach into the mixed signal
domain by adding a structured arrangement
of analog building blocks to the design
platform concept. The mixed signal structured
ASIC is ideal for embedded systems that
require analog interfaces, local digital
processing and communication functions.
Using a proprietary version of ViaPATH™
design tools from ViASIC (http://www.viasic.com),
the array elements are automatically configured
and interconnected into an ASIC without
the expense and delay traditionally associated
with full-custom, manual layout. Triad offers
a flexible range of customer relationships
from the turn-key design and manufacture
of custom chips to the license of libraries,
EDA tools and related technology.
The first product of the MSSA platform,
the MSSA-1 is ideal for producing SoC ASICs
that contain sensor interface circuits,
amplifiers, filters, A/D converters, D/A
converters, digital processors, and communication
interfaces. A few example applications include
medical monitoring devices, instrumentation
and wireless sensor networks.
“Digital structured ASICs are the
fastest growing segment of the semiconductor
industry,” said Dan Wrappe, CEO of
Triad. “Until now, there was not a
mixed signal equivalent for rapid design
and low cost development. We are pleased
to announce production tooling of the MSSA
1 mixed signal structured ASIC platform.
We chose austriamicrosystems
as our fabrication partner due to their
commitment to quality, focus on mixed signal
processes, and depth of experience.”
“Triad Semiconductor’s engineers
have created an innovative mixed signal
IC design and manufacturing platform,”
said Peter Gasteiner, Senior Vice President
and General Manager Full Service Foundry
of austriamicrosystems.
“Considering the large market potential
for specialized analog mixed signal systems
on a chip solutions, we are very pleased
they have selected our 0.35 micron process.”
About Triad Semiconductor, Inc.
Triad Semiconductor, Inc. is a privately
held fabless semiconductor company with
proprietary mixed signal structured array
technology. The company headquarters are
in the Piedmont Triad Research Park in downtown
Winston-Salem, North Carolina. For more
information, please visit the web site located
at www.triadsemi.com
or call (336) 721-9450.
About austriamicrosystems
With headquarters near Graz, Austria, austriamicrosystems
AG is one of the world’s leading designers
and manufacturers of highly integrated analog
intensive ICs. austriamicrosystems
combines more than 20 years of design capabilities,
product and marketing know-how with a full
service silicon foundry specialized in mixed
signal, RF and HV applications. Operating
worldwide with more than 800 employees,
austriamicrosystems
is organized in four strategic business
units: Communications, Automotive, Industrial
& Medical and Full Service Foundry.
austriamicrosystems
AG is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in
Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).
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