Elixent licenses its reconfigurable semiconductor IP to Matsushita Electric for advanced system-on-chips

Bristol, England, 6 April 2005: Elixent has licensed its semiconductor IP based on reconfigurable algorithm processing (RAP) technology, D-Fabrix, to Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., to develop system-on-chips (SoCs) for advanced consumer products. The long-term agreement will bring together Matsushita’s advanced knowledge of leading-edge SoCs as well as silicon processes and manufacturing with Elixent’s world-leading reconfigurable technology expertise. This will enable the next generation of converged products, which will integrate audio, video and communications, to be brought to market more quickly and cost-effectively.

The extensive agreement sets out a strategic vision for both companies, targeting advanced processes ranging from 130nm downward. Evaluation devices developed by Elixent and Matsushita’s Semiconductor Company have already been fabricated under the agreement in Matsushita’s advanced silicon manufacturing facilities. It is anticipated that the technology will be incorporated into a broad range of multimedia and communications consumer products.

The rising cost of designing custom chips and the growing trend towards convergence products within the consumer electronics sector means that silicon devices must be flexible enough to adapt to different market and product needs. Reconfigurable technology enables the same device to be used for multiple applications whilst reducing time-to-market and development costs. This is achieved without compromising power consumption or size, a crucial consideration for both wall-powered and mobile products.

“A platform SoC strategy is essential to be competitive in consumer electronics,” said Katsuhiko Ueda, General Manager, Corporate System LSI Development Division of Matsushita’s Semiconductor Company. “We are impressed by Elixent’s technology and believe it will become the de-facto standard for reconfigurable technology inside consumer electronics. It will certainly help to position us well for future market requirements.”

Jerry Worchel (Principal Analyst, Instat/MDR) commented: “The rising development costs of advanced silicon processes mean that programmable platform SoCs are an inevitable requirement. Elixent’s relationship with Matsushita places them in an excellent position to satisfy that need.”

“Elixent was chosen by Matsushita following a thorough study in which many reconfigurable solutions were analysed. This agreement shows the maturity and leadership of our reconfigurable technology,” said Kenn Lamb, CEO at Elixent. “Reconfigurable algorithm processing is a key technology for the industry moving forwards. Elixent is the only supplier with a credible history of delivering this to meet the growing demands for convergence products.”

About Elixent

Elixent is the leader in reconfigurable semiconductor IP, a technology that provides users with the ability to change the function of a chip even whilst in use.

D-Fabrix, the company’s patented reconfigurable algorithm processing (RAP) technology, provides ASIC designers with a flexible alternative to fixed function chips but without consuming the level of power normally associated with programmable technologies.

This combination is of particular benefit to companies producing electronic products for imaging and communications applications in consumer and industrial markets. The low power consumption makes D-Fabrix particularly attractive for mobile and battery powered products.

Elixent is working with a number of tier one semiconductor manufacturers, including Matsushita and Toshiba. Visit http://www.elixent.com for more information.