ChipX Partners with CAST to offer a Complete, Standards-Compliant USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Subsystem in a Structured ASIC

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

CAST USB-IF Compliant Synthesizable IP Combines with ChipX USB 2.0 Hi-Speed PHY Structured ASIC to deliver Rapid, Confident Subsystem Integration

Santa Clara, Ca – August 22, 2005 – ChipX, Inc., the structured ASIC leader, today announced the availability of a new portfolio of compliance-tested USB controller IP solutions for its Structured ASIC products with CAST, Inc.  The silicon-proven IP can be used with ChipX’s recently introduced CX6200 family, which features a built-in PHY for USB 2.0 Hi-Speed On-The-Go (OTG) applications.  The controller IP cores also interoperate with the USB 2.0 Full-Speed multi-port transceivers included in ChipX CX5000 and CX4000 products.

Now ChipX customers can build a complete USB subsystem using CAST cores, software and, where required, add a processor such as a fast 80515 or 68000 derivative.  CAST USB controllers and ChipX USB 2.0 PHY have been proven to be interoperable, and the components have achieved USB-IF compliance certification.

“Too often, USB connectivity is just a checkbox on the requirements list for new products,” says Elie Massabki, VP of Marketing at ChipX. “Yet building a USB subsystem can be time-consuming and risky, as designers need to select, purchase, and integrate an analog PHY, a controller, and a software stack.  Research shows that even after doing all that work, most Standard Cell ASIC designs fail standards compliance and require the chip to be re-designed. 

With the combined ChipX and CAST solution, customers are provided with a complete, pre-approved USB 2.0 subsystem with full technical support from experts.”

“We are delighted to work with ChipX,” says Hal Barbour, president of CAST, Inc. “As a leader in the structured ASIC world, ChipX offers one of the best platforms for the low-risk, quick production of complex systems. Our proven IP cores and years of experience helping make ASIC and FPGA designers successful, combined with ChipX’s outstanding products, means customers are getting one of the very best available solutions.”

About ChipX

ChipX, Inc., is a pioneer and leading manufacturer of late-stage programmable application-specific integrated circuits, or Structured ASICs. The company's innovative, patented technology consolidates wafer production tooling, reduces time-to-market and minimizes the total cost to profit. ChipX Structured ASIC technology is 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., VantagePoint Venture Partners, Wasserstein Venture Capital, Newlight Associates, Parker Price Venture Capital, UMC, Needham Capital Partners and Insite Capital.

About CAST

CAST provides over 100 popular and standards-based IP cores for ASICs and FPGAs. Privately owned and operated since 1993, CAST has established a reputation for high-quality IP products, simple licensing, and responsive technical support. The company is headquartered near New York City, partners with IP developers around the world, and works with select sales consultants and distributors throughout Europe and Asia.