Arasan Chip Systems Launches the AC2200i SDIO Card Controller ASIC

SAN JOSE, Calif.--May 8, 2006--Arasan Chip Systems, Inc. ("Arasan") solidifies its foray into the semiconductor business with the launch of its next generation SDIO Card Controller ASIC, the AC2200i. The AC2200i is designed using Arasan's Industry Standard SDIO Card Controller IP Core technology, which has been licensed by over 50 companies Worldwide. "The AC2200i improves performance, compatibility and adds features while maintaining pin compatibility with the AC21C00. We would like the transition to be easy on our customers," says Rich Timpa, VP of Sales at Arasan.

The AC2200i has also been upgraded to the SDIO Specification Version 1.20 which supports 200 Mbps transfers at 50MHz throughput in SD-4 bit mode. In order to utilize this increase in throughput and make the AC2200i suitable for a wider range of applications, SPI Mode, 8051 Mode (8/16 bit) and APB mode have been added. The AC2200i improves on system compatibility and has been tested with a wider range of PDA's, Smartphones and Multimedia Devices. "To further reduce system costs we have eliminated the need for an EPROM when the AC2200i is used in UART Mode and if an external EPROM is attached it can easily be programmed from the host platform eliminating the need for expensive EPROM programmers," says Prakash Kamath, VP of Engineering at Arasan.

Our Industry Standard SDIO in a Box Hardware Development Kit is available to customers using the AC2200i in UART Mode. A new HDK, The SDIO in a Box DLX will be made available to those using SPI, 8051 or APB modes.

AC2200i SDIO Card Controller ASIC is qualified as Industrial Grade and is also available in a Environmentally Friendly, Lead Free RoHS compliant package, the AC2200ie. Both versions are available to ship immediately.

The AC2200i replaces the AC21C00 which has over 75 customers Worldwide. Please read the product change notice at http://www.arasan.com/sdioinabox.html

About Arasan

Arasan Chip Systems Inc. founded in 1995, is a leading supplier of Reusable Intellectual Property (IP's) cores, semiconductors and associated electronic design services. Arasan's product portfolio is focused on Bus Interfaces and includes IP's for USB 1.1 & 2.0, PCI, MMC4 and SDIO technologies. We offer Services in Front End Design and Software Development for Design Realization, IP Customization and System Bring up. Arasan is headquartered in San Jose, California, with design centers in India and support options available in Taiwan, China & Europe.