SMSC Integrates USB 2.0 Flash Media Reader and Hub Controller for Port Expansion in Embedded SoC Applications

SMSC (Nasdaq: SMSC), a leading semiconductor company providing innovative system solutions spanning analog, digital and mixed-signal technologies, today announced the new USB264x Hub and Flash Media Card Reader Combo. The USB264x family of devices (USB2640(i), USB2641(i) and USB2649(i)) integrate both a USB Flash Media Card Reader and a USB 2.0 Hub controller into a single package that serves as an ultra-fast interface between a USB host and today’s most popular media cards. The USB264x set of devices offer USB port expansion for user access when an SoC host port is taken away due to the addition of a USB based flash media card reader. Additionally, these solutions offer a versatile, cost-effective means to reduce bill of materials costs and footprint by integrating the functions of two separate discrete devices while offering improved performance for applications that demand high-speed and lower power.

The USB264x devices are single-package, dual function solutions from SMSC that offer designers the flexibility to place the USB connection wherever it is required within the system. The devices feature these important attributes:

• Integrated Hub and Flash Media Card Reader Combo solution optimizes footprint with an approximate 40% board space reduction compared to prior SMSC discrete devices.
• Reduces power consumption by approximately 30% versus alternative SMSC discrete solutions.
• PortMap - provides flexible numbering of physical ports to virtual ports. Allows designers to manage USB as an internal system bus for embedding peripheral functions and as a means to support multiple SKUs with different population options.
• PortSwap - Programmable USB differential-pair pin locations ease PCB design by aligning USB signal traces directly to connectors
• PHYBoost - provides four-level programmable USB signal drive strengths in downstream port transceivers. PHYBoost works to restore USB signal integrity that has been compromised by system level variables such as poor PCB layout, analog switches, long cables, etc.

"This new set of USB combo solutions solves a system level challenge for designers that need to embed Flash media and require additional points of connection,” said Mark Bode, vice president of Connectivity Marketing at SMSC. "Many of today’s consumer applications require higher functionality in smaller packaging. By combining these full-featured components into one device, SMSC is able to deliver high performance options in designs where connectivity in a host system had previously been limited.”

The USB264x family provides a flexible combination of multiple media card readers and USB extension ports for a number of target applications that includes digital TVs, printers, monitors, PCs, gaming consoles and other embedded and consumer applications. The USB264x’s Flash media reader allows flexibility of access to a wide selection of media reader formats, such as MultiMediaCard™ (MMC)/SD, MS/MS-Pro™/MS-Pro-HG and xD, with two additional exposed USB downstream ports for external peripheral expansion. The USB264x is fully configurable for customer-specific applications and also supports field upgradeable firmware.

The SMSC USB264x family of devices is available in a 48-pin QFN (7x7mm²) lead-free, RoHS-compliant package. It is also available as an industrial temperature qualified device supporting -40° to 85° Celsius, thus enabling improved thermal characteristics that are required for many embedded applications.

Pricing & Availability:

Samples of the USB264x family of devices are available today. Production quantities can be purchased at a price of $2.40 per unit in 1K quantities.

About SMSC:

Many of the world’s most successful global technology companies rely upon SMSC as a go-to resource for semiconductor system solutions that span analog, digital and mixed-signal technologies. Leveraging substantial intellectual property, integration expertise and a comprehensive global infrastructure, SMSC solves design challenges and delivers performance, space, cost and time-to-market advantages to its customers. SMSC’s application focus targets key vertical markets including consumer electronics, automotive infotainment, PC and industrial applications. The Company has developed leadership positions in its select markets by providing application specific solutions such as mixed-signal embedded controllers, non-PCI Ethernet, ARCNET, MOST^® and Hi-Speed USB.

SMSC is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York with operations in North America, Asia and Europe. Engineering design centers are located in Arizona, New York, Texas and Karlsruhe, Germany. Additional information is available at www.smsc.com.

Forward Looking Statements:

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this announcement are forward-looking statements about expected future events and financial and operating results that involve risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different from those discussed in forward-looking statements. Our risks and uncertainties include the timely development and market acceptance of new products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; our ability to procure capacity from our suppliers and the timely performance of their obligations, the effects of changing economic conditions domestically and internationally and on our customers; our relationships with and dependence on customers and growth rates in the personal computer, consumer electronics and embedded and automotive markets and within our sales channel; changes in customer order patterns, including order cancellations or reduced bookings; the effects of tariff, import and currency regulation; potential or actual litigation; and excess or obsolete inventory and variations in inventory valuation, among others. In addition, SMSC competes in the semiconductor industry, which has historically been characterized by intense competition, rapid technological change, cyclical market patterns, price erosion and periods of mismatched supply and demand.

Our forward looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations and may not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers or divestitures. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and are based upon the information available to SMSC at this time. Such statements are subject to change, and the Company does not undertake to update such statements, except to the extent required under applicable law and regulation. These and other risks and uncertainties, including potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation, are detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC. Investors are advised to read the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly those sections entitled "Other Factors That May Affect Future Operating Results” or "Risk Factors” for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.

SMSC and MOST are registered trademarks of Standard Microsystems Corporation. Product names and company names are trademarks of their respective holders.