Faraday Introduced a New MP3 Player SoC - FIE7010 HD-based Audio Platform Solution

A SoC Platform Solution with Audio/Video Processing Algorithms that Combine MP3 and iPod Photo–like Functions

HSINCHU, Taiwan and SUNNYVALE, California, – February 8, 2006 -- Faraday Technology Corporation (TAIEX: 3035) formally launched its iPod like Hard-disk based MP3 player SoC platform on January 23, 2006. This is the second generation of the previously launched Flash-based MP3 platform, which was launched on November of 2005. The new FIE7 series Audio Platform Solution not only supports all the popular audio compression formats through MP3 encoder/decoder, WMAv9 decoder, AAC decoder, OGG decoder, and DRM10 but also provide WMV and JPEG compression algorithm. The combination makes the FIE7 series the best choice for our customers that targeting iPod Photo, iPod Video, MP4 Player and PMP segment of the consumer audio market.

The FIE7010 audio platform adopts the embedded ARM v4 architecture-based CPU core - FA510 to encode/decode a variety of audio algorithm. FIE7010 integrates many key IP blocks including USB 2.0, AD-DA, REG, LCD Controller, and IDE, all of which have been silicon-verified through UMC 0.18ìm CMOS process. The FIE7010 Audio Platform leverages its LCD controller to deliver TFT LCD support from 1.5” to 2.5” with JPEG and WMV resolution up to QCIF15fps. FIE7010 with the embedded 16-bit AD/DA provides high audio quality of >90dB and affords an optimal solution for IDE-based audio device in the middle to high end consumer market. Furthermore, the user friendly S/W SDK enables customers to customize their products to meet diversified demands from the end market.

According to the forecast by iSupply, the MP3 related consumer electronics are predicted to have a compounded growth rate of 28.8%. The HDD-based player is especially popular at 28% in 2005 and is predicted to pass the 30% mark in 2006. The enormity of the market has prompted Faraday to provide the SoC based audio platform so IC design industry can quickly chum with new products without the risk of large initial investment and BOM.

“The introduction of the Flash-based audio platform last year is our response to the increasing popularity of MP3. The launching of the second generation HDD-based audio platform is our commitment towards continuous innovation. The FIE7010 Audio Platform offers our customers a high performance and cost-effective audio solution targeting portable audio device with image and video decoding features. Furthermore, Faraday currently devotes on a 0.13µm FIE7020 Portable Audio Solution developments that adopt Faraday's existing CPU technology and support multiple storage devices including NAND flash, IDE and SD MMC. The FIE7020 combines significant software and hardware enhancements that can meet low power and high-end audio needs, and same time significantly accelerate time to market for our customers”, said associated vice president C.J. Liang of Multimedia Business Unit at Faraday. The FIE7020 Audio Solution is scheduled to launch in the 2nd quarter of 2006.

For the detailed information of Faraday Audio Platform Solution, please go to Faraday's website at http://www.faraday-tech.com/html/solutions/index.html.

About Faraday Technology Corporation

Faraday Technology Corporation is a leading silicon IP and fabless ASIC vendor. The company's broad IP portfolio includes 32-bit RISC CPUs, DSPs, MPEG4, H.264, PHYs/Controllers for USB 2.0, 10/100 Ethernet, Serial ATA, PCI Express, Cell Library and Memory Compiler. With more than 600 employees and 2005 revenue of US$175 million, Faraday is one of the largest fabless ASIC companies in the Asia-Pacific region, and it also has a significant presence in other world-wide markets. Headquartered in Taiwan , Faraday has service and support offices around the world, including the U.S. , Japan , Europe, and China . For more information, please visit: www.faraday-tech.com