Analog Devices' Products to Enhance Performance of New Desktop PC Motherboard

Business Wire, May 21, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NORWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 2003

ADI's SoundMAX audio system, VRD 10-compliant power controller, and dBCOOL thermal management controller enrich end-user experience and deliver high stability to new Intel platform.

Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, today announced a trio of Analog Devices' ICs to provide premium-performance audio, VRD 10-compliant power delivery, and intelligent temperature monitoring and fan control for Intel's new D865PERL motherboard for desktop PCs. Based on ADI's AD1985 audio CODEC, the SoundMAX 4 XL(R) Digital Audio System delivers a superior PC audio experience--combining all the quality and reliability of onboard audio with new features that minimize the most common audio-related technical support issues. Providing power regulation for the Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 processor, ADI's ADP3168 power controller and ADP3418 MOSFET drivers enable high-speed response at the lowest possible switching frequency and output decoupling. Offering both thermal and power supply management, ADI's dBCOOL(TM) thermal management controller delivers a quieter PC platform while meeting the thermal requirements of the Pentium 4 processor.

"The D865PERL board provides rock-solid stability and a superior end-user experience, bringing a high-performance, feature-rich motherboard to our customers at an attractive price point," said Joel Christensen, Marketing Director of Intel's Desktop Platform Solutions Division.

"ADI offers a broad array of leadership analog technology solutions that enable high quality and high reliability for motherboard applications," said John Croteau, General Manager, Media Platform and Services Group, Analog Devices, Inc. "We are delighted to have Intel's vote of confidence and are pleased to supply three compelling technologies for a motherboard that sets a new price/performance milestone--and one that will reshape the PC experience for millions of users."

ADI Technology in the Intel D865PERL Desktop Board

ADI's SoundMAX delivers unparalleled audio performance by combining an AC'97 hardware CODEC installed on the motherboard with cutting-edge audio rendering software pre-loaded in the computer, thereby ensuring system-level compatibility and sparing end users from the installation headaches associated with add-in sound cards. In addition, users can easily manage the audio system functionality through the new intelligent jack sensing feature, AudioESP(TM). SoundMAX provides a robust set of technologies for playback of music CDs, MP3/WMA files, DVD movie soundtracks, MIDI music, Internet audio and enhanced game audio.

The ADP3168 is the company's third-generation of multi-phase power solutions to be used by Intel. It features ADI's proprietary Flex-mode(TM) control technique, which preserves performance while maintaining PC board layout noise immunity and promoting ease of design. Offering programmable 2- to 4-phase PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) topology, the ADP3168 optimizes phase count to minimize system cost, while meeting Intel's demanding Voltage Regulator-Down (VRD) 10 CPU power supply specification.

It also provides active current and thermal sharing between output phases, reducing the ratio between size and power components to prevent thermal imbalance. The ADP3168 includes a built-in PWRGD (Power Good) delay circuit, meeting Intel's VID (Dynamic Voltage Identification) on-the-fly specification for power regulation. Each phase uses an ADP3418 MOSFET driver to complete the interface between the ADP3168 and the power MOSFETs used to convert the main supply to the VID voltage.

As the key ingredient of Intel's(R) Precision Cooling Technology, ADI's dBCOOL IC provides thermal management and acoustic noise reduction through intelligent management of the system's multiple fans. dBCOOL provides active fan control based on the Pentium 4 processor's temperature and supports the new bi-directional PROCHOT functionality of the Pentium 4 processor to ensure that other subsystems do not overheat. The dBCOOL controller also monitors voltages and can alert the end user or IT department if the power supplies go out of specification.

Availability

ADI's SoundMAX 4 XL, ADP3168, ADP3418 and dBCOOL IC are also shipping today on the following Intel Desktop Motherboards: the D865GBF and the D865GLC. For more information about ADI's products, please visit: www.soundmax.com, www.analog.com/ADP3168, and www.analog.com/temp-sensors. For more information regarding the D865PERL desktop motherboard, please visit: http://developer.intel.com/design/motherbd/

About Analog Devices, Inc.

Analog Devices is a leading manufacturer of precision high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications. The company is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, and employs approximately 8,600 people worldwide. It has manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Ireland, the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Analog Devices' stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the company is included in the S&P 500 Index.