Grayhill Adds Connectivity to Data Acquisition Product with NetSilicon's Solution-on-Chip

Business Wire, Jan 8, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2001

- NET Works(TM) network-enables and brings web browser access

to Grayhill's OpenDAC(R) data acquisition tools -

Bringing a new level of access and control to automation, Grayhill, Inc. has added Internet connectivity and web browser management with a new line of OpenDAC data acquisition and process control products, using the NET Works Ethernet microprocessing solution from NetSilicon (NASDAQ: NSIL).

The highly integrated NET Works silicon and software platform enabled Grayhill to rapidly build a new generation of OpenDAC products with built-in Ethernet connectivity and browser-based control. "By developing our OpenDAC products on the NET Works platform, we've simplified data acquisition for our customers and simplified our product development process, increasing our time-to-market," said Brian May, president, Grayhill Systems Division. "NetSilicon's proven solution took the risk out of our development effort and saved hundreds of engineering hours."

William Peisel, NetSilicon's chief technology officer, commented, "Grayhill has long been a leader in delivering high quality, reliable systems and components to the automation arena. With OpenDAC, Grayhill is again demonstrating their leadership by offering their customers the advantages of open standards and Ethernet-based systems."

With NET Works, Grayhill's modular OpenDAC now contains features such as:

--Centralized control and monitoring of up to 32 digital or analog I/O channels per OpenDAC module;

--Multiple OpenDAC network configurability;

--Extremely fast network communications - up to 100 Mbps;

--Browser-based remote access and programmability;

--Protocol support for Ethernet, Modbus (ASCII and RTU), Optomux(TM), and Profibus DP(TM);

--CE certified; and,

--Remote terminal unit (RTU) support via Internet or RF connection.

OpenDAC automatically detects whether the host network is either 10Base-T or 100Base-TX and communicates via NET Works, eliminating switch settings and further simplifying network connectivity.

Dick Caro, Vice President at ARC Advisory Group, a leading Market Research firm specializing in industrial automation, said, "The combination of high speed and low cost of Ethernet communications is sweeping through industrial automation, replacing slower and more expensive proprietary networks for connection of I/O. Grayhill's use of Net Works gives them a powerful managed RTU capability and web browser support with little additional development effort. Their broad range of network support, including Modbus/TCP allows the OpenDAC to easily be integrated into a wide variety of control systems including Grayhill's Wireless Communications Products."

About Grayhill, Inc.

LaGrange, IL-based Grayhill, Inc. is a leading design and manufacturing services provider to Industrial and Telecommunication Equipment Manufacturer for Operator Interface, Industrial Control, and Wireless Communication Technologies. The privately held firm was started in 1943 to manufacture miniature precision components for the electronics industry. From its beginning, the company has been committed to producing high quality components for commercial, industrial and military markets.

Grayhill recently received Professional Lab Accreditation for its EMC Test Lab by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). The laboratory meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Other examples of pioneering in quality leadership include becoming the first in its field to achieve ISO 9001 certification (BVQI 48226), SPC manufacturing techniques and qualification to MIL-Q-9858. Grayhill was also the first manufacturer to achieve Preferred Supplier status with the leading computer and communications companies.

Grayhill, Inc., headquartered at 561 Hillgrove Ave, LaGrange, IL, employs 750 people at four U.S. locations. For more information contact Grayhill via phone at (708) 354-1040, or on the web at www.grayhill.com.

About NetSilicon

NetSilicon, Inc. (Nasdaq: NSIL) is a leading provider of integrated system-on-silicon and software solutions used by device manufacturers to add Internet and Ethernet connectivity to their products. Once network-enabled, these devices can be managed, accessed and serviced from anywhere. NetSilicon's highly integrated solutions help manufacturers reduce time-to-market, lower their costs, and free their engineers from the difficult task of integrating multi-vendor networking components. The Company's solutions are used in a wide array of intelligent devices including digital office equipment; medical data collection and patient monitoring units; vending machines; factory automation and process control equipment; power supply monitors; building access control and security systems; exercise equipment; point-of-sale terminals; Internet cameras and telephones; and vehicle diagnostic tools.

For additional company, product or financial information, please visit the NetSilicon Web site, www.NetSilicon.com, send email to info@NetSilicon.com, or call 800-243-2333. For calls originating outside the US, call 781-647-1234. NetSilicon headquarters is located at 411 Waverley Oaks Road #227, Waltham, MA 02452.