Chrontel Ships World's First LVDS Transmitter to Support Intel's New High-Speed SDVO PC Interface Specification; Critical Component for Laptop PCs is Being Adopted by Leading OEMs

Business Wire, Jan 5, 2005

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Chrontel (www.chrontel.com), a leading provider of video interface technologies, is now sampling a new LVDS (low voltage differential signal) transmitter, the CH7308A, which is the world's first LDVS chip that complies with Intel's new, proprietary SDVO (serial digital video output) PC interface specification. LVDS devices are mixed-signal ICs (integrated circuits) that are used in almost every laptop PC to transmit display pixel data from the CPU motherboard, across the open hinge of the laptop, to the flat panel display.

Intel's latest PCI Express chipsets -- the Intel(R) 915G, 915GV and 910GL Express Chipsets -- include an IGD (integrated graphic device) that delivers cost-competitive 3D, 2D and video capabilities. These IGD chipsets use Intel's new SDVO specification to drive external displays with a high-speed serial data interface. Laptop and LCD-PC manufacturers that design new PCs using these PCI Express chipsets will need to design-in LDVS transmitters that comply with the new SDVO interface.

Chrontel's CH7308A transmitter is the industry's first LVDS device that supports the 1G-2Gbps high-speed SDVO interface specification. The CH7308A supports output rates up to 165 Mpixels/second, suitable for driving flat panel displays with resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200 pixels) at a 60Hz refresh rate.

A natural extension of Chrontel's widely-adopted LVDS product line, the new Chrontel chip is already being designed into the latest laptop and LCD-PC designs by leading Japanese PC OEMs. The mixed-signal CH7308A is also the latest in a family of SDVO-compliant devices that Chrontel began releasing last quarter.

"Laptop and LCD-PC designers are eager to leverage the cost advantage offered by Intel's integrated graphics devices," explained Dr. David Soo, Chrontel president and CEO. "As a leading vendor of LVDS solutions, we are pleased to offer our PC customers an SDVO-compliant solution that enables them to utilize the latest PCI Express chipsets."

Pricing and Availability

The Chrontel CH7308A is currently sampling, and production volumes will be available in 1Q05. The device is offered in a low-cost 64-pin LQFP package, and comes complete with Windows driver support. The CH7308A is priced at $4.50 in 10,000 piece quantities. Additional product information on the CH7308A can be found on the web at http://www.chrontel.com/products/7308.htm.> About Chrontel, Inc.

Founded in 1986, privately-held Chrontel is a leading supplier of video interface ICs and technologies to computer manufacturers worldwide. The company's innovations include the world's first VGA-to-TV encoder. Chrontel video display chips are incorporated into reference designs offered by Intel and other leading microprocessor and graphics processor vendors. The company currently offers the industry's most complete product line of video interface ICs for notebook and desktop computers, and its components can be found in PCs sold by dozens of leading manufacturers. Additional information about Chrontel can be found on its website: www.chrontel.com.

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