Ariane Controls Selects ChipX Embedded Array for Powerline Communications

Update: GigOptix, Inc. Announces Acquisition of ChipX (November 10, 2009)

Companies collaborate to offer silicon validated Powerline Communications IP in ChipX ASICs

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Santa Clara, Ca – July 26, 2007 – ChipX, leading the way with a broad range of next-generation ASIC solutions and Ariane Controls, a leading manufacturer of Powerline Communications technology for the energy utilities and building automation markets, announced today an ongoing successful partnership to implement Powerline Communications technology in an easy to use Embedded Array platform.

Electric and gas utilities expect products to be reliable and last for many years in utility meters. Ariane Controls was looking for an ASIC technology that allowed them to introduce pre-standard products cost effectively and yet be able to quickly modify them to meet the latest standards specifications.  ChipX Embedded Arrays met all the requirements for this cost-sensitive industrial application.

In addition, ChipX now offers Ariane Controls Powerline Communication IP for implementation by utility companies and design centers on ChipX silicon.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Ariane Controls on their Powerline Communication ASIC and to make their IP available to the broad utilities market,” said Wouter Suverkropp, Director of Marketing for ChipX.  “Ariane Controls’ contributions to the standards have been instrumental and ChipX’s execution of the AC-PLM-1 ASIC demonstrated the capabilities of their technology.”

“We chose ChipX because they offered us the ideal solution for our markets,” said Jean-Pierre Fournier President of Ariane Controls.  ”The Embedded Array gave us a lot of flexibility to demonstrate our technology and the robustness that our market requires at the right price point.  We are excited about the opportunity to partner with ChipX to make our Powerline Communications IP available to customers who wish to meet the standards and gain higher levels of integration.”

About ChipX Embedded Arrays

The ChipX Embedded Array product family offers a unique mix of performance, density, efficiency and logic configurability. ChipX Embedded Arrays are targeted at customers seeking near standard cell performance and device cost combined with the ability to build derivatives quickly and inexpensively.  ChipX Embedded Arrays combine built-in, silicon proven, industry standard I/Os, standard cell memories and a wide choice of mixed signal IP with the well-proven X-Cell™ architecture to provide industry leading performance using technology ranging from our 5V process supporting legacy designs in 0.5u through advanced high-speed 0.13µ processes.
www.chipx.com .

About Ariane Controls

Ariane Controls is a Powerline (PLC) and Wireless (RF) Communication technology developer offering highly differentiated networking solutions. With its unique & enabling technology, Ariane Controls provides component suppliers and Systems integrators (OEM’s) with the least expensive, most reliable solutions for residential, commercial & industrial building automation and public utilities applications. www.arianecontrols.com

About ChipX

ChipX, Inc. is a broad ASIC supplier and a pioneer and leader in the development and manufacturing of value-added ASIC solutions, including Structured ASIC and Embedded Array technology.  The company’s innovative, patented technology consolidates wafer production tooling, reduces time-to-market and minimizes the total cost to profit. ChipX products are widely used in consumer equipment, computing peripherals, communication systems, industrial control, medical equipment, instrumentation and military/aerospace systems.  Headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, ChipX is a privately held corporation, founded in the U.S. in 1989. A subsidiary, ChipX (Israel) Ltd., performs Research & Development. Investors include Elron Electronic Industries, Ltd. (NASDQ: ELRN), VantagePoint Venture Partners, Wasserstein Venture Capital, Newlight Associates, Parker Price Venture Capital, UMC, Needham Capital Partners and Insite Capital.