Xilinx and ACUNIA Deliver a Complete Programmable Solution For Next-Generation Telematics

DETROIT, Oct. 21 -- At the Convergence 20002 show today, Xilinx, Inc., and ACUNIA, a leading provider of next generation telematics technology based in Belgium, announced the immediate availability of the CarCube(TM) solution -- a ready-made cost-effective field upgradeable design platform that provides OEMs with the ultimate in telematics functionality and performance. Based on Xilinx® Spartan-II(TM) and CoolRunner-II(TM) programmable chips, CarCube provides the time-to-market advantages afforded by programmable logic, while supporting mainstream automotive interfaces such as CAN and USB. From robust security services to in-vehicle video and audio entertainment, the CarCube solution offers OEMs with a proven design for in-vehicle multimedia infotainment systems. For a live demonstration of the new solution, visit the Xilinx booth #1337 at Convergence 2002 in Detroit, Mich., October 21-23, 2002.

"We are very impressed with the strong commitment Xilinx has made to the automotive telematics marketplace," said, Bart Plackle, business unit manager at ACUNIA Embedded Solutions. "Selecting the Xilinx programmable solutions to complete the XINGU-design, resulted in the ideal solution for next-generation in-car designs."

Based on ACUNIA's XINGU-technology, CarCube features a Xilinx Spartan-II FPGA as a flexible companion chip for the Intel Xscale(TM) 80200 processor, a Xilinx CoolRunner-II low power CPLD, and up to 128 MB of SDRAM and 16 MB of on-board FLASH. The CarCube solution provides a powerful field upgradeable system capable of providing 900 MIPS of processing power with 800 Mbps of memory bandwidth. This allows the CarCube solution to easily support future CPU intensive automotive applications, such as multimedia; Java based applications, and 3D navigation requiring high-resolution video.

"The CarCube solution is a prime example of Xilinx's expansion in the automotive telematics market," said Robert Bielby, senior director of Strategic Solutions at Xilinx. "Through our collaboration with industry leaders such as Acunia, Xilinx continues to address the needs of today's automotive designers."

About CarCube

The CarCube offering comes as a complete manufacturing kit with a fully functional unit together with a professional software development environment, including software tools, test and demo applications. The CarCube solution features a complete multimedia telematics platform that includes: GSM voice and data, GPRS data, GPS with dead reckoning, high performance data and video capabilities, USB and CAN connectivity, mass storage support, audio interfaces and a HMI unit with touchscreen and programmable buttons.

About Xilinx Low Cost Programmable Solutions

Xilinx IQ Solutions provide vehicle manufacturers with the time-to-market advantages enjoyed by the consumer product manufacturers for many years. Xilinx IQ Solutions are now available for the company's lowest cost Spartan-II FPGA series and its lowest power CoolRunner CPLDs. The new IQ solutions not only provide faster time-to-market for vehicle manufacturers, consumers will benefit from the reconfigurable nature of the chips as well. The programmable chips can be upgraded even after the vehicle has left the dealership.

About Xilinx eSP

In addition to providing complete silicon and software solutions for the automotive industry, Xilinx eSP (www.xilinx.com/esp) is the industry's most complete online resource dedicated to accelerating the development of automotive telematics applications. With over four million visits since its introduction last year, xilinx.com/esp delivers a powerful array of solutions and information in a single location.

About ACUNIA