Memec Unique Announces Multi-Channel UART Evaluation Kit for Actel ProASIC Plus

Kit Provides Hardware Evaluation, Reference Design Platform for 16-Channel UART IP Core; Expands Beyond Simulation to Offer Working Implementation

SAN FRANCISCO (Embedded Systems Conference) – Mar. 8, 2005 – Memec Unique, a division of leading global semiconductor distributor Memec, today introduced its multi-channel UART evaluation kit. Featuring 16 channels of 16550-style UARTs, the kit provides a hardware evaluation and reference design platform for the company’s multi-channel UART (MUART) IP core, running in an Actel flash-based FPGA.

Memec Unique’s evaluation platform offers customers a reference design for a variety of applications, including terminal multiplexers and expanders, industrial controls, factory automation and communication equipment monitoring. The board enables designers to go beyond a simulation model and evaluate a working implementation of the core in Actel’s ProASIC Plus device. In addition, Memec Unique’s board serves as a convenient test bed for customized variations of the MUART core.

"Memec Unique’s multi-channel UART core, combined with Actel non-volatile FPGAs, enables customers to integrate two to 16 discrete UART standard devices onto a single Actel FPGA," said Yankin Tanurhan, senior director of IP Solutions and Applications for Actel. "The MUART evaluation kit allows customers to observe the core on an APA300-FG256 device, and helps designers quickly benefit from ProASIC Plus features, such as live at power-up capability and single-chip operation."

In addition to 16 individually configurable channels of RS-232 communications, Memec Unique’s board features Intersil TIA/EIA-232 receivers/transmitters, full signal access with breakout headers, receive and transmit status LEDs for each port, and two processor options – a P160 daughter card interface and the Ubicom PhantomServer™. Software is included for the PhantomServer that allows users to configure the individual UART channels in the core, and run various tests using an Ethernet interface and convenient built-in Web site. The board is designed with the Memec Design MC-ACT-UARTM IP core, and the Actel ProASIC Plus FPGA, APA300-FG256.

"Memec Unique understands that time equals money for OEMs. The more quickly designers can evaluate and understand how an FPGA can work for their application, the faster their product goes to market," said Paul Romano, director of technical marketing for Memec Unique. "Memec Unique is committed to providing customers with relevant evaluation and reference design platforms for the latest Actel technologies."

The non-volatile, flash-based Actel ProASIC Plus device enables the MUART design to be live at power-up, avoids the additional costs of external configuration PROMs, and secures the embedded IP design against unauthorized copying. Memec Unique’s multi-channel UART evaluation kit bundles a MUART evaluation board, AC/DC wall adapter, two null-modem DB9F-DB9F cables, software for the Ubicom PhantomServer, and full documentation, including schematics and build files. Available now, the MUART evaluation kit is priced at $495, and the kit with the PhantomServer board included is priced at $595. Both kit options can be ordered from Memec Unique by calling (800) 677-5664.

About Memec
Memec is a global semiconductor distributor specializing in demand creation and servicing the electronics industry with more than 2,400 employees, including over 1,800 field application engineers, technical sales specialists, technical marketing professionals, and account representatives around the world. The company provides original equipment manufacturers with engineering expertise and a portfolio of semiconductor devices, and helps design customized, differentiated products.

Memec Unique was created to further realize Memec's technical focus of promoting a limited number of complementary semiconductor manufacturers. As with the company’s other divisions, Memec Insight and Memec Impact, Memec Unique devotes resources to leading edge supplier partners and provides their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customer base with vast product knowledge and design expertise. A team of highly trained field applications engineers enables Memec Unique to specialize in proprietary technologies and system-level solutions in markets such as communications, electronic data processing (EDP)/multimedia, industrial control, instrumentation, contract manufacturing and the wireless sector. While Memec Unique operates independently throughout most of the world, it merged with Memec Impact in the Americas and Europe to form a single division with a broader product portfolio under the Memec Unique name. For more information, visit www.memecunique.com.

# # #