Symwave Selects Discretix Embedded Security for its High Performance USB 3.0 Storage Controller

PALO ALTO, Calif., HOT CHIPS Symposium -- August 24, 2009- Discretix, a leading global provider of embedded security solutions, and Symwave, Inc., a leading silicon supplier of system solutions for SuperSpeed USB devices, today announced that Symwave has chosen Discretix as the provider of security technology for Symwave’s high performance USB 3.0 System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions. The agreement will ensure Symwave storage controllers deliver world-class data encryption for a wide array of external storage devices incorporating hard drives (HDD) and flash based (SSD) storage media.

Symwave continues to lead the industry in SuperSpeed USB 3.0 firsts. The company demonstrated the world’s first USB 3.0 PHY device at the same time as the first public release of the USB 3.0 Specification at the SuperSpeed USB Developer’s Conference in November 2008. In January 2009 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Symwave demonstrated the first multi-vendor interoperability of SuperSpeed USB 3.0. And today, Symwave announces the integration of the most advanced data encryption algorithms available outside of military applications and at performance levels not previously attainable.

Discretix embedded technology ensures state-of-the-art security at the chipset level to reliably protect data transferred to and from external hard drives. The patented technology uses standard cryptographic algorithms in a way that minimizes gate count and power consumption, while also maximizing performance and security. Discretix embedded security supports both the IEEE 1619 standard for cryptographic protection of block-oriented data, as well as IEEE 1667 for authentication of USB flash drives, disk drives and other mobile devices.

“Symwave continues to demonstrate leadership in USB 3.0 storage solutions. Improving convenience, speed and storage capacity will create a wave of new demand for external storage devices. However, those advancements also create security challenges which is why robust security protection is so critical,” said David Deitcher, CTO of Discretix. “By working closely with Symwave, we were able to achieve new performance levels which will help secure these next-generation external HDD and SSD storage products.”

“Discretix’s embedded security technology is both powerful and flexible. Not only can it protect storage drives from attachment to unauthorized computers, but it also supports the high transfer speeds required for USB 3.0 configurations,” said Chris Thomas, CTO of Symwave. “Its robust architecture combined with its support for industry standard security protocols made it an excellent choice for Symwave’s SuperSpeed USB controller solutions.”

The first Symwave ICs with Discretix embedded security are expected to be available in commercial external storage products in the fourth quarter of 2009.

About Symwave, Inc.

Symwave is a global fabless semiconductor company developing connectivity SoCs (Systems-on-Chip) and software solutions that enable PCs and other consumer electronic devices to realize the benefits of SuperSpeed USB 3.0. The USB 3.0 standard improves device power management, transfers data tenfold faster and maintains backwards compatibility with the billions of USB ports shipped to date. Symwave’s high-performance analog/mixed-signal products leverage the company’s proprietary technology, IP and silicon design capabilities to bring the benefits of uncompromised speed in low-cost standard CMOS processes. The company is privately held with headquarters in Orange County, Calif., and design centers in Shenzhen, China, and San Diego, Calif. Symwave is backed by top-tier venture capital firms including Kodiak Venture Partners and CMEA Ventures and a recent investment by SMSC (NASDAQ: SMSC). Additional information is available at www.symwave.com.

About Discretix

Discretix security solutions are deployed in a wide range of consumer electronics devices enabling services and applications, while protecting the device and its contents. Discretix’ products include embedded security co-processors and a broad range of security applications. The solutions are tightly integrated into the device, enhancing security without compromising the user experience. Discretix, a privately-owned company, serves the needs of some of the world’s best-known semiconductor and device manufacturers and has been consistently ranked among the leaders of the embedded security market. For more information, please visit www.discretix.com.