SMSC's MediaLB Interface Implemented in Freescale's i.MX35 Applications Processors

HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK - October 22, 2008 - SMSC (Nasdaq: SMSC) today announced the implementation of SMSC's Media Local Bus® (MediaLB) technology in Freescale Semiconductor's newly launched i.MX35 family of AEC-Q100 qualified multimedia applications processors. The MediaLB serial bus interface provides seamless connectivity to SMSC's Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST®) Intelligent Network Interface Controller (INIC) family.  With the introduction of Freescale's i.MX35 family of multimedia processors, automotive OEMs may offer navigation capabilities and hands-free control of in-car audio as affordable options across their complete line of vehicles.

The i.MX35 family of automotive multimedia processors includes three pin-compatible devices, each targeting specific infotainment capabilities. The i.MX351 processor is intended for audio connectivity platforms; the i.MX355 processor is designed for cost-effective display-based systems; and the i.MX356 processor integrates a native OpenVG 1.1 vector graphics accelerator for applications such as navigation map drawing and graphical user interfaces.

Ken Obuszewski, Product Manager at Freescale's Multimedia Applications Division commented, "A flexible and cost effective connection to the MOST network in all speed grades (MOST25, MOST50 and MOST150) is essential for an automotive multimedia applications processor.  With the implementation of MediaLB on Freescale's i.MX35 family, we deliver value-added functionality that fulfills this requirement."

SMSC's MediaLB is an inter-chip communication technology that allows one or more applications to access the MOST network by connecting them to an INIC.  MOST technology is a de facto industry standard for automotive multimedia networking of high-bandwidth audio, video and control information or network data, enabling applications to communicate with minimum effort. MediaLB is also designed to support future MOST networks, thereby providing a simple migration path from existing MOST architectures to next-generation platforms.

"We are pleased to add the Freescale i.MX35 family to the list of automotive-grade processors that enable users to deliver greater functionality and seamlessly connect to the MOST network via MediaLB," said Markus Schmitt, Manager of Strategic Marketing for SMSC's automotive infotainment systems product line.

About the i.MX 35 Family

The i.MX35 family is based on an ARM1136JF-S™ CPU with 128KB L2 cache. In addition to MediaLB, the i.MX35 automotive multimedia applications processors include many other connectivity options including two CAN modules, Ethernet, two MMC/SD/SDIO ports and a CE-ATA/SDIO port for external wireless modules. They have two integrated USB PHYs and a 3.3V general purpose I/O interface. They also support lower cost memories like DDR2 and multi-level cell NAND that reduce system costs and provide the design engineer great flexibility.
Freescale is currently sampling i.MX35 processors to tier one customers and plans to expand to a broader base of customers in calendar Q1 2009. Volume production is expected in Q3 2009.

About SMSC:

Many of the world's most successful global technology companies rely upon SMSC as a go-to resource for semiconductor system solutions that span analogue, digital and mixed-signal technologies. Leveraging substantial intellectual property, integration expertise and a comprehensive global infrastructure, SMSC solves design challenges and delivers performance, space, cost and time-to-market advantages to its customers. SMSC's application focus targets key vertical markets including consumer electronics, automotive infotainment, PC and industrial applications. The company has developed leadership positions in its select markets by providing application-specific solutions such as mixed-signal embedded controllers, non-PCI Ethernet, ARCNET, MOST® and Hi-Speed USB.
SMSC is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York with operations in North America, Asia and Europe. Engineering design centers are located in Arizona, New York, Texas and Karlsruhe, Germany. Additional information is available at www.smsc.com.