News & Events
Conexant Announces Agreement With Intersil For 802.11 Wireless LAN Technology
-- Technology Will Accelerate Roadmap for Integrated WLAN Solutions in DSL, Cable and Home Networking Chip Sets
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., September 3, 2002 Conexant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, and Intersil Corporation (Nasdaq: ISIL), a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance analog and wireless networking solutions, today announced a memorandum of understanding under which Intersil will provide Conexant with its PRISM® Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless local area network (WLAN) technology for integration into Conexants next-generation digital subscriber line (DSL) modems, cable modems and home networking chip sets.
Integrating Intersils WLAN technology into Conexants semiconductor products will allow consumers to avoid the expense, time and trouble of having to purchase an add-in WLAN network interface card or a separate WLAN access point. This reduces the complexity and cost of WLAN solutions and further accelerates the proliferation of wireless networking in home and small office environments. Potential applications include adding wireless access points to DSL and cable modems to enable file sharing, voice over IP, video and digital media delivery in home, gaming and wireless web browsing applications.
The addition of Wi-Fi (802.11b) to our technology portfolio will enable us to offer DSL modems, cable modems and home network processor solutions with integrated wireless local area network functionality, said F. Matthew Rhodes, president of Conexants Broadband Communications Segment. Intersils PRISM WLAN chip set is widely recognized as the worlds leading silicon solution for wireless networking systems. Combining their WLAN technology into our broadband products provides our customers with highly integrated, cost-effective WLAN solutions ranging from embedded wireless access points to integrated access platforms. This will facilitate expanded service offerings, and provide end-users with a new level of convenience in their broadband experience.
According to Gartner Dataquest, an industry analyst firm, the total worldwide market for WLAN equipment intended for PC and personal digital assistant connectivity is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 22 percent to almost $3.4 billion by 2005.
The demand for integrated WLAN solutions, such as those Conexant will offer, is growing at a rapid rate. Were pleased that Conexant has selected our PRISM WLAN technology for integration into their next-generation DSL modems, cable modems and home networking chip sets, said Larry Ciaccia, vice president and general manager of Intersils Wireless Networking Product Group. Intersil is committed to providing our customers a complete, quickly deployable solution that enables them to bring reliable, high-quality and cost-efficient WLAN products to market before their competitors start their designs.
About 802.11b
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b worldwide standard enables cost-effective, high-speed wireless connections between the Internet and broadband gateways, computers, set-top boxes and other devices. Once tested and certified for interoperability by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), 802.11b-compliant products will feature the Wi-Fi symbol on an end product providing assurance to buyers that it will work with Wi-Fi certified systems of other vendors.
About Conexant
Conexant Systems, Inc., a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, leverages its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products through two separate businesses.
The Broadband Communications business develops and delivers integrated solutions that enable digital entertainment and information networks for the home and small office. Mindspeed Technologies, the companys Internet infrastructure business, designs, develops and sells a complete portfolio of semiconductor networking solutions that facilitate the aggregation, transmission and switching of data, video and voice from the edge of the Internet to linked metropolitan area networks.
Conexant, headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., delivered revenues of $1.1 billion for fiscal 2001. The company is a member of the Nasdaq-100 market index. To learn more, visit us at www.conexant.com or www.mindspeed.com.
Intersil + Elantec Means More for Our Customers
Intersil Corporation is a global semiconductor leader in the design and manufacture of high performance analog and wireless networking solutions. The acquisition of Elantec Semiconductor, Inc., expanded Intersils product portfolios to address four fast growing markets flat panel displays, optical storage (CD and DVD recordable), power management, and wireless networking. Intersil brings added customer value in providing complete silicon, software and reference design solutions to new products that enhance the computing experience for people wherever they live, work or travel. For more information about Intersil or to find out how to become a member of our winning team, visit the company's web site and career page at www.intersil.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements relating to future results of Conexant (including certain projections and business trends) that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: global economic and market conditions, such as the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the Companys and its customers products; demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; successful development of new products; the timing of new product introductions; the availability of manufacturing capacity; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; changes in product mix; product obsolescence; the ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for the related intellectual property; the successful separation of the Companys broadband communications and Internet infrastructure businesses; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; labor relations of the company, its customers and suppliers; and the uncertainties of litigation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the security and safety risks of our employees and of Company facilities and those risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the companys Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Conexant and Mindspeed are trademarks of Conexant Systems, Inc. PRISM is a registered trademark of Intersil Americas Inc. Other brands and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.
