Ultima Communication and Silicon Wave Announce License Agreement for Bluetooth Protocol Software

Business Wire, Feb 21, 2000

Business Editors

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 21, 2000

Ultima Communication and Silicon Wave today announced a cross-license agreement for protocol software for the implementation of Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology.

The agreement allows both companies to deliver complete software solutions to OEMs looking to add Bluetooth functionality to their products while minimizing the development cycle.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ultima Communication has a license to Silicon Wave's lower layer protocol firmware for the implementation of Bluetooth technology. Ultima Communication may customize the licensed firmware and combine it with its own upper layer protocol suite. Silicon Wave, in turn, has a license to Ultima Communication's upper layer protocol software. Both companies can therefore provide complete, turnkey software solutions to customers utilizing Silicon Wave's SiW015(TM) Radio Modem IC and SiW016(TM) Controller IC for the implementation of Bluetooth wireless technology.

The agreement also allows for Ultima to develop an integrated protocol stack in which the HCI interface is eliminated and the combined Silicon Wave and Ultima software runs on a single processor. Such an integrated stack is advantageous for low-cost embedded systems because it eliminates the need for separate host and controller processors.

"An integrated Bluetooth protocol stack, running on a single processor, is an attractive solution for Bluetooth-enabled embedded devices. This agreement allows Ultima to deliver such a solution together with first class radio technology," said Neal Riedel, president and chief executive officer of Ultima Communication Inc.

Ultima Communication's Protocol Suite for Bluetooth wireless technology includes protocols for RFCOMM, L2CAP, SDP, TCS and the HCI driver. The Protocol Suite includes APIs that control and configure the operation of the stack. Ideal for applications that require low ROM and low RAM such as cellular phones, PDAs, printers and LAN access points, the protocol stack is offered in a variety of options best suited for each application.

"Silicon Wave has established itself as a leader in low-cost, low-power radio solutions. Our partnership with Ultima Communication will allow us to provide a complete software solution with the same emphasis," said Dave Lyon, chairman and CEO of Silicon Wave.

This agreement reflects the importance of delivering integrated solutions and facilitating the development of Bluetooth applications through software partners.

About Silicon Wave

Based in San Diego, Silicon Wave designs and develops RF systems-on-chip for use in wireless and broadband communication systems and products. Founded in 1997, the company's mission is to be the leader in system-level RF ICs. Silicon Wave provides solutions to a broad array of suppliers and manufacturers of cellular telephones, PDAs, laptops, cable modems, set-top boxes, and other consumer electronic products. www.siliconwave.com.

About Ultima Communication

With offices in Carlsbad and Costa Mesa, Calif., Ultima Communication Inc. (www.ultimacom.com) applies its expertise to the development of complex wireline and wireless systems. Through a combination of contract engineering and internal development, Ultima Communication is working with major suppliers in the semiconductors, electronics and automotive industries. Founded in 1998, Ultima offers a complete, licensable protocol suite for implementation of Bluetooth wireless technology targeted at low cost embedded systems, as well as engineering services supporting emerging Bluetooth applications. For additional information contact sales@ultimacom.com.

Silicon Wave, RMC, the SiW product name prefix and the diamond logo design are trademarks of Silicon Wave Inc. BLUETOOTH is a trademark owned by Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Sweden. All other product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.