Semtech Debuts Sensor Data Acquisition SoC with ``Zooming'' Resolution; SX8801R Can Amplify a Signal with Large Offsets for Better Resolution; Developed for Battery-Powered Devices That Interface with MEMS Sensors

Business Wire, May 30, 2006

CAMARILLO, Calif. -- Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the SX8801R, an ultra low power, high-resolution system-on-chip (SoC) for data acquisition from micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors in battery-powered consumer, medical and industrial systems.

The SX8801R features Semtech's ZoomingADC(TM) capability that combines a 16-bit analog/digital converter (ADC) with a 10-bit preamplifier to allow the device to "zoom in" or amplify a small portion of the analog signal and apply the full 16-bit ADC to that part of the signal. The award-winning ZoomingADC compensates for large offsets without saturation or resolution losses, and can be re-focused on different parts of a signal for different applications.

The SX8801R also includes a microprocessor and 22 kBytes of ROM for customer programmable processing with the output sent to either a serial link or to an LCD. The SX8801R directly reads pressure, temperature, magnetic, chemical or other Wheatstone bridge-based sensors, ranging from 5V to 2 mV. With a reference, the device can also access most voltage-generating sensors.

The low-power SX8801R is designed for battery-operated devices with an input voltage range of between 2.4V and 5.5V. The device has three pre-amplifiers and special logic-block power gating features to allow a designer to specify power consumption for the data acquisition phase in a range between 200uA and 800uA depending upon the number of pre-amps used. At 2kHz, the ADC function draws only 200uA. The microprocessor is also low power, leveraging Semtech's CoolRISC(TM) processor technology with a real time clock at 2uA and a power-performance ratio of 300uA per MIPS.

"The SX8801R fills a real void in the market for data acquisition devices, offering the volume economics and integration of an ASIC but with a lot more flexibility," said Michel Chevroulet, Sensing Product Group Manager for Semtech's Wireless and Sensing Products Business Unit. "Customers can capitalize on Semtech's data acquisition product family by customizing the ZoomingADC(TM) and processing functionality for their requirements, and that they have access to a variety of pin-compatible devices for all stages of a product's lifecycle."

The SX8801R joins Semtech's data acquisition product family, based on technology from the company's June 2005 acquisition of Xemics SA. The device is pin-compatible with the Semtech XE8801AM, which has the same features but with a reprogrammable MTP memory offering the ability to change the operating software. With the ROM version being lower-cost, the SX8801R is well suited to high-volume, price-sensitive applications, whereas the XE8801AM is ideal for customizable devices, prototyping and production ramp-up.

The SX8801R is available in a 12 mm x 12 mm lead-free LQFP-44 package or as a 4.1 mm x 4.6 mm die for sports watches, wrist instruments and other small applications.

Key Features of the SX8801R

--16 10 bits ZoomingADC with 4 differential / 7 single inputs

--Up to 13 inputs multiplexer

--2 MIPS processing power

--22 kByte ROM

--520 Byte RAM data memory

--5 reset, 22 interrupt and 8 event sources

--Gain programmable from 0.5X to 1000X in 10-percent steps

--Lower power clock and prescaler

--Compatible with Semtech XE8801AM

Availability

The SX8801R is available in production quantities. Pricing for the product will be quoted by the factory since selection of multiple options is required to specify firmware version and packaging. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support. Data sheets, volume pricing, and delivery quotes, as well as evaluation kits and samples, are available by contacting salesinfo@semtech.com.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutions and breakthrough technology in power management, protection, advanced communications, human interface, test & measurement, and wireless connectivity products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its web site at www.semtech.com.

Semtech, the Semtech logo, CoolRISC and ZoomingADC are marks of Semtech Corporation.