Dspfactory unveils smallest, ultra-low power audio processing technology

From: Canada NewsWire (press release), CA
Oct. 15, 2002

SignaKlara 2 places complete digital and mixed signal processing system
onto a single chip

WATERLOO, ON, Oct. 15 /CNW/ - Dspfactory Ltd., a leading provider of open
programmable digital signal processing (DSP) technology for hearing aids,
headsets, PDAs, and other portable devices, today unveiled the second
generation of its SignaKlara platform technology -- an advancement that
delivers ultra-low power solutions with even greater fidelity and increased
computational power all within a highly compact one-chip footprint.

Dspfactory's new SignaKlara 2 technology integrates digital/analog
conversions and signal processing into a single, sub-quarter-micron chip.
SignaKlara 2 provides greatly improved sound clarity in half the space of its
two-chip predecessor, enabling the continued evolution toward increasingly
miniature, yet more capable, wearable communication devices.
"The tightly integrated system-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture of SignaKlara
2 is a significant milestone for Dspfactory," said Peter Balsiger, president
of Dspfactory SA. "We have simultaneously reduced size and power consumption
while boosting SignaKlara's computational power to accommodate the highly
sophisticated applications being developed today."
"SignaKlara 2 is also testimony to the successful collaboration between
the Technology Group in Canada and the ASIC design team in Switzerland.
Together we have developed a complete DSP system in a single chip that
exceeded the expectations of our target customers," said Todd Schneider, Vice
President of Technology.
SignaKlara 2 will form the backbone of advanced OEM products that
Dspfactory will be launching in the weeks and months ahead for the hearing
aid, headset, and hands-free personal portable audio OEM markets, as well as
for a range of industrial sensor markets.
"The first generation of SignaKlara has been a success world-wide, with
acceptance throughout Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia," said
Dspfactory president and CEO Robert Tong. "The single-chip design of
SignaKlara 2 is another major breakthrough for us that will provide device
manufacturers even greater functionality and reliability along with a faster
time to market."

About Dspfactory
Dspfactory Ltd., a fabless semiconductor company, is a leading-edge
developer of ultra-miniaturized, ultra-low power, software-programmable,
digital signal processing (DSP) technology. Dspfactory's mission is to embed
its unique technology ubiquitously into a wide range of market applications.
Its target markets include hearing aids, headsets, personal digital
assistants, personal digital audio players, embedded sensors, baseband
wireless devices, cellular telephones, or any other portable, battery-powered
DSP-based product where size and power consumption are as important as
flexible, advanced software processing capabilities. To support the
development and implementation of signal processing software solutions on its
technology platforms, Dspfactory also provides a complete set of easy-to-use
support tools and services, ranging from software development and testing
tools to custom DSP software development and engineering services. For more
information, visit http://www.dspfactory.com.

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For further information: Media Contact: Geoff Bellew, VP Sales and
Marketing Dspfactory Ltd., Tel: +1 519 884 9696, Ext. 2280 E-mail:
geoff.bellew@dspfactory.com

© 2002 Canada NewsWire Ltd.