News & Events
Intersil Unveils The Industry’s Highest Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer

— Complete DDS system includes 48-bit programmable NCO and 14-bit DAC
– Features fine tuning resolution, accurate digital control and spurious performance

PALM BAY, FL, February 28, 2000 — Intersil Corporation today unveiled a new addition to its CommLink™ family of signal processing and high-speed converter solutions. The HSP45314 Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) features a high performance architecture that delivers the fine tuning resolution, accurate digital control and excellent spurious performance required by today’s evolving communications standards.

The HSP45314 DDS integrates a 48-bit programmable carrier numerically controlled oscillator (NCO), a high-speed 14-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a comparator circuit for square wave generation into a single 48-pin LQFP package. The device supports a wide variety of applications such as clock generator, digital tuning, local oscillator, pixel clock generator and FSK modulator. Intersil’s DDS is ideal for point-to-point microwave systems, wireless local loop, LMDS, MMDS, satellite terminals (VSAT), communications instrumentation, cable modems, NTSC/PAL video systems and last mile wireless applications.

The HSP45314 is a monolithic integrated circuit (IC) that uses programmable NCO technology together with an internal high-speed, 125+MHz D/A converter and comparator, to form a complete, digitally controlled frequency synthesizer and clock generator. When used as an accurate clock source, the HSP45314 generates a spectrally pure, frequency/phase-controlled analog output sine wave that can be used directly as a frequency source or can be converted to a square wave for clock generator applications.

The HSP45314 contains a high-speed comparator that can be configured to accept the (externally) filtered output of the DAC and generate a low jitter square wave output, facilitating the device’s clock generator function. The HSP45314 architecture allows the generation of output frequencies of up to one-half the reference clock frequency (62.5 MHz). The output frequency can be digitally modified at an asynchronous rate to the reference clock. The device features two control pins for digitally controlled phase modulation, allowing phase shifting of its output in any combination of increments 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. FSK modulation is accomplished by updating the offset frequency register or toggling an enable pin.

Performance
The high performance architecture of the HSP45314 delivers the flexible frequency source required by today’s multi-standard communications systems. The 48-bit tuning word permits an output tuning resolution of 0.444 micro-Hertz, with a 125MHz reference clock input. The analog output frequency is digitally controlled by the sum of the 48-bit center frequency word, 48-bit offset frequency control word and the 40-bit tuning word. These registers are loaded into the HSP45314 via a parallel byte format. The output sine wave delivers spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) performance of greater than 92dBc in a 1MHz window (fclk = 105MHz, fo = 14.5MHz) and 75dBc in a 200KHz window
(fclk = 125MHz, fo = 25MHz).

Pricing and Availability
The HSP45314 is currently sampling, and production is scheduled for May 22, 2000. This device operates over the extended industrial temperature range of – 40 to + 85oC and is priced at $10.20 in quantities of 1,000 units. To reduce evaluation time, a user-friendly evaluation board (HSP45314EVAL2) is available. The evaluation software features a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows full user control over the HSP45314 evaluation board. For a preliminary data sheet and further CommLink information, call 1-888-INTERSIL ext.7977 or visit our website at www.intersil.com/commlink/index.asp.

Intersil and Digital Radio
The HSP45314 is part of Intersil’s CommLink Family of signal processing and high-speed converter solutions. Intersil addresses the entire signal processing chain with a portfolio of linear, mixed-signal and fixed function DSP ICs optimized for high-speed wireless communications applications. End markets include cellular infrastructure, broadband wireless, Satellite communication and communications test equipment.

About Intersil Corporation
Intersil Corporation uses semiconductor expertise to enable highly integrated voice, data and video communications. Intersil's integrated communications portfolio includes PRISM® Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) chip sets that enable mobile connectivity products for the home and office; analog, mixed-signal and digital integrated circuits for broadband access to wireless and wired Wide Area Networks (WANs); and power management products that enable 24x7 reliability in network servers, next generation PCs and information appliances. For more information about Intersil, visit the company's Internet homepage at www.intersil.com.

This press release contains information relating to forecasted results of Intersil, 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 these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: global and market conditions, including but not limited to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and markets addressed by Intersil's and its customers' products; market acceptance of, and demand for, new and existing products; successful development of new products, the timing of new product introductions; the availability and extent of utilization of manufacturing capacity; pricing pressure and other competitive factors; changes in product mix; fluctuations in manufacturing yields; product obsolescence; ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for related intellectual property; as well as other risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Intersil's filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. These forward looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and Intersil undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Other brands and names contained in this press release are the property of their respective owners.

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CommLink is a registered trademark of Intersil Corporation