Oki Electric Develops 2.4GHz LSI Compliant to IEEE802.15.4/ZigBee®
- Forms an Alliance with CompXs in the Next Generation Low Rate Wireless Network IC Development -

"We were able to develop the world's first 2.4GHz RF, PHY and MAC mounted single-chip LSI by utilizing Oki's skills in integrating analog and digital circuits," said Akira Kamo, President of the Silicon Solutions Company at Oki Electric. "Working together with CompXs, we plan to hold a significant market share of the enterprise-use ubiquitous sensor network market by shipping several million units by the fiscal year ending March 2006. Oki will also manufacture the product under the CompXs brand."

This newly developed IC integrates the digital circuit-based MAC and PHY with the analog circuit-based RF onto a single chip. Because of a state-machine implementation, the chip allows communication between any external hosts CPU. The integration also reduced the package size as it cuts the number of pins and achieves efficient protocol management including very low-power consumption that is required by these next generation low rate wireless networks.

Based on this leading edge product, the two companies also developed a Sensor Network Demonstration Kit that connects several humidity sensor wireless handsets with a ZigBee network to remotely control humidity. This demo system supports real-time management and fast time-to-market for system development for the control and monitoring of this type of network. This Sensor Network Design Kit is suitable for developing systems such as air conditioning, lighting and crime prevention and fire alarm systems. This demo kit utilizes Oki's original low- power consumption functions including low-voltage operation and access cycle control.

"With Oki's core technologies in silicon processing, high-density packaging, and low-power consumption chip design and CompXs' system knowledge expertise, we will provide total solutions that involve the network layer, including newly developed ZigBee, Star and Mesh topologies and the application layer. Said Bhupender Virk, CEO at CompXs Inc. "The two companies will continue to develop cost-effective and low-power consumption wireless chip and system solutions. Oki and CompXs will also jointly conduct market activities towards the ubiquitous wireless sensor network markets."

Features of IEEE802.15.4 compliant 2.4GHz RF+PHY/MAC mounted IC

• World's first one-chip LSI with IEEE802.15.4 2.4GHz RF+PHY/MAC
• Uses synchronous serial interface when connecting to host CPU
• Low-power consumption enabling long time operation with dry-cell batteries
• 0.22 micron low-leakage CMOS process
• Small package size - 7x7(mm)

*1

ZigBee is a low rate wireless communication standard for home appliances. The technology is similar to Bluetooth®. It has lower speed but better range and advantages of lower cost and lower power consumption than Bluetooth, as it operates for several years on just two AAA batteries. The maximum data transmission speed is 250 Kbps; the maximum transmission range is 30 meters and can connect up to 64000 nodes on one network. IEEE802.15.4 standardization defined the physical and media access control layer, while ZigBee Alliance is defining the network and upper layers. For home use, ZigBee can establish a wireless controllable network that controls appliances from lights to home security systems.

*2

The term low rate wireless is the standard term from IEEE for low data rate.

About CompXs
CompXs Inc. was founded in 2001 to connect the wireless world using standards-based technologies. CompXs managements are key architects and designers of the emerging 802.15.4 and UWB technologies. CompXs provides a one-stop shop for complete system-level designs and end-to-end solutions for the emerging wireless Technologies. CompXs Inc. is a privately held company with offices in Santa Clara, CA and Surrey, England. Additional information is available at: http://www.compxs.com.

About Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
Founded more than a century ago in 1881, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is Japan's first telecommunications manufacturer, with its headquarter in Tokyo, Japan. With the corporate vision, "Oki, Network Solutions for a Global Society," Oki Electric provides top-quality products, technologies and solutions to its customers through its telecommunications systems, information systems and electronic devices segments. All three segments are integrated into one effective organization that functions as a collective force to create exciting new products and technologies, including information and telecom converged solutions. Through its business activities, Oki Electric satisfies a spectrum of customer needs in various markets.

Notes:

• Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.
• ZigBee is a registered trademark of Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. in Japan.
• Names of companies and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies.