The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer
MEMSIC ACCELEROMETERS SELECTED BY MASTER BRAKE
Leading brake systems supplier cuts costs and improves performance of
lightweight trailers using MEMSIC dual access accelerometers

ANDOVER, Mass., May 21, 2002 __ MEMSIC, Inc., the leading provider of
CMOS-based MEMS accelerometers/sensors, is pleased to announce its recent
deal with Master Brake Systems, Inc., a nationally recognized supplier for
the brake systems manufacturing and engineering products. Master Brake,
founded in 1989, is using the accelerometers in an air suspension and
leveling system specifically designed for lightweight trailers, such as RVs
and horse trailers.

Disenchanted with the lack of control and escalating costs of using air
suspension and leveling systems for large trailers - the norm in the industry
- Master Brake, using MEMSIC sensors along with its own integrated circuit
technology and software, created a system that levels a lightweight trailer
with the click of a button and created an air suspension system that works on
a timer, alerting the air suspension system to release or take in air when
needed. Most importantly, MEMSIC accelerometers have played a big role in
extending the life of a lightweight trailer from two to three years to 10
years.

Master Brake started the project in earnest in September, and premiered the
product at the Louisville RV show in November, according to Master Brake
president Bill Barnett.

"In evaluating sensors for our product, we found that the MEMSIC product, due
to its unique design, offered a whole new slant," Barnett said. "Now, instead
of having six valves on each axle of the trailer, there are three MEMSIC
accelerometers on the master axle. By cutting down on the number of parts and
adding an accelerometer with superior frequency response, we have nearly
eliminated system failure and greatly simplified leveling procedures."

MEMSIC has successfully integrated MEMS technology with leading-edge IC
processes to create MEMS ICs. The technology is applicable to any technology
that requires the sensing of motion, acceleration, or tilt.

Because of the standard CMOS structure of the accelerometers - which measure
both dynamic acceleration, such as vibration, and static acceleration, such
as gravity - additional circuitry can easily be incorporated into custom
versions for high volume applications. In addition, the accelerometers are
factory programmable at the end of the manufacturing cycle, cutting costs to
as much as fifty percent less than competitors, and have no moving parts,
eliminating sticking issues. Most importantly, the noise floor has been
reduced by a factor of 2.5 to 3 times, the drift over temperature has been
improved by 50%, and the part's initial offset error has been reduced by 40%
or greater.

Said Yang Zhao, President & CEO of MEMSIC, "Using MEMS technology, MEMSIC has
created an accelerometer that not only eclipses previous industry standards,
but also significantly reduces cost. Companies that before could not afford
or consider it, can now easily afford this exciting technology. We are
thrilled Master Brake has been able to improve the functionality of its
product using our dual access accelerometers."


About MEMSIC, Inc.
MEMSIC, Inc. is a semiconductor company that specializes in MEMS (Micro
Electric Mechanical Systems) ICs (Integrated Circuits).  MEMSIC has developed
and brought to market a unique MEMS-based accelerometer that contains no
moving parts.  MEMSIC's product combines the sensor and associated
electronics onto a single chip that is manufactured on a standard, sub-micron
CMOS process.  The accelerometer provides the highest long-term reliability
and performance available today at an unprecedented low cost.

MEMSIC, Inc. is a venture capital backed organization with investments from
Celtic House, Ironside Ventures, Still River Fund and Investar and strategic
corporate investments from Analog Devices, Incorporated and Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing Company .

About Master Brake Systems, Inc.

Master Brake Systems, Inc. is a nationally recognized supplier for Brake
Systems manufacturing and engineering products. We are dedicated to the
custom design, manufacture of Vacuum Brake, Hydraulic Brake, Air Suspension
Control Systems and parts since 1989. Our expertise also involves the
deployment of microprocessor based products for our Air and Brake Control
Systems. Our products incorporate leading edge integrated circuit technology
and the latest software techniques to achieve fully integrated
microprocessor-based systems.