News & Events
Intersil Announces Compaq Has Selected the PRISM II Chip Set for New High Speed Wireless Networking System

— Ethernet-equivalent wireless connections for Windows-based PCs become a reality

PALM BAY, FL, November 3, 1999 – Intersil Corporation, the world’s leading developer of silicon technology for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), today announced that Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) has incorporated Intersil’s PRISM II WLAN chip set as the silicon engine for Compaq’s new WL Series of wireless networking products.

Compaq’s WL Series is the first line of PC products designed with Intersil’s new PRISM II WLAN chip set. PRISM II is the world’s most highly integrated, "Antenna-to-Computer" wireless LAN chip set on the market today that delivers wired Ethernet-equivalent speed and IEEE 802.11b high rate standards compatibility. Optimized for high data rate wireless networking (11Mbps), PRISM II-based systems are feature-rich and provide better, more reliable performance in all types of networking environments. Advanced design and silicon germanium (SiGe) process technologies reduce power consumption, design complexity and total system cost.

"We’re thrilled to announce this major design win for PRISM II, especially coming from Compaq, a well-respected industry leader," said Chris Henningsen, vice president of marketing and co-leader of Intersil’s PRISM Wireless Products. "We continue to make dramatic technical strides with our PRISM line of wireless networking solutions and are confident that we offer the highest performing, most cost-effective silicon available today to systems manufacturers eager to play in this market. And with the ratification of a global interoperability standard for high speed wireless LANs now in place, this market is ready for the big time – as evidenced by Compaq’s formal entry into this marketplace."

Compaq’s WL Series consists of an 11 Mbps PC Card and PCI Card for wirelessly enabling portable and desktop PCs, as well as 11 Mbps hardware and software access points, which act as wireless gateways to a wired computer network. High-speed WLAN products enable users to stay connected to their LAN while roaming to meetings or other office locations. In addition, they enable IT departments to quickly integrate a wireless LAN into their existing network without the hassle of installing or removing wires.

"Compaq is committed to taking a major leadership role in driving wireless networking to the consumer and the enterprise," said J. Tempesta, Vice President and General Manager, Displays & Peripherals Division, Compaq Computer Corp. "Several key factors are critical to achieving widespread market adoption of these products – including price, performance and interoperability – and we have a solid product roadmap to continue pushing the envelope on these areas. It is clear that Intersil shares a similar vision on the evolving needs of this market, and we’re pleased to partner with them on future development efforts needed to take wireless to the next level."

PRISM II is now in full production and available for sampling. The set includes: the HFA3983 Power Amplifier/Detector; HFA3683 RF-to-IF Converter/Synthesizer; HFA3783 I/Q Modulator/Demodulator and Synthesizer; HFA3861 DSSS Baseband Processor; and the HFA3841 MAC. Intersil also offers extensive design support tools – a complete PRISM II reference design, hardware evaluation kit, software drivers, a complete high rate 802.11 MAC firmware set and evaluation boards for each individual IC.

Industry Alliances
The Compaq WL Series complies with the IEEE 802.11b High Rate (HR) standard, of which Intersil is a strong supporter. Intersil is also a charter sponsor of the Wireless Ethernet Connectivity Alliance (WECA), recently established to ensure compatibility and coexistence of 802.11b WLAN devices from multiple vendors. Intersil also plays a role in other industry alliances and specification/standards organizations, such as the Wireless LAN Alliance (WLANA), Bluetooth Special Interest Group (BSIG), and the Home RF Working Group (HRFWG).

Adoption of PRISM Technology
Since introducing the PRISM WLAN chip set in 1996, over forty companies have incorporated PRISM chips in more than 100 product designs. PRISM technology is designed to comply with the IEEE’s 802.11 global standard, and Intersil plans to introduce better performing, more highly integrated chipset solutions roughly every nine months. PRISM chips are used in WLAN systems from industry-leading companies including Nokia, Siemens, Compaq, 3Com, Nortel, Samsung, Zoom Telephonics, Aironet, and SpectraLink.

About PRISM II
Intersil’s PRISM II Chip Set is the world’s most complete silicon solution for the design of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). Comprised of five highly integrated ICs incorporating advanced silicon germanium (SiGe) and sub-micron CMOS technology, PRISM II delivers all the required analog and digital circuitry for the PHY and MAC layers, providing a complete, "Antenna-to-Computer™" solution for high data rate WLANs. PRISM II has been chosen by the world’s leading telecom, networking, and computer companies as a key part of high performance wireless products for home or office.

About Intersil Corporation
Intersil Corporation uses analog, mixed-signal, wireless communications and power technologies to develop advanced integrated circuits and power semiconductors for high-growth segments of the communications, power and space/defense markets. Intersil Corporation employs 5,800 worldwide and utilizes the rich intellectual property of more than 1,400 patents. The company’s worldwide web site is located at www.intersil.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Specific risks include worldwide demand and product pricing for integrated circuits, and reductions in the U.S. and worldwide defense and space budgets. In addition, Intersil cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends and events to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.

PRISM is a registered trademark of Intersil Corporation.