Memec Design and Insight Memec Team to Implement Controller Area Network Architecture in Xilinx FPGAs; Product to Debut at Xilinx Automotive Seminar in Detroit

    SAN DIEGO--Feb. 26, 2003--Memec Design, Memec's design and engineering division, and Insight Memec, a leading global semiconductor distributor and a member of The Memec Group, today introduced a controller area network (CAN) core solution, intellectual property created for implementation in Xilinx FPGAs.
    On Feb. 27, 2003, Memec Design engineers will attend the Xilinx Automotive Seminar in Detroit; on this occasion, they will demonstrate how the Xilinx(R) MicroBlaze(TM) soft processor utilizes the CAN core in engine management control.
    Originally developed for the automotive environment, the CAN core enables reliable communication within embedded applications that require high-speed, real-time communications. Due to its flexibility, high immunity to electrical interference, and error detection capabilities, the CAN core is also utilized in factory automation, machine control and base stations.
    The CAN architecture, an ISO-defined multimaster bus with serial communication, corresponds to the data link layer of the ISO/OSI reference model (Layer 2). The bus is designed to achieve medium bit rate and guarantees that every node in the network owns consistent information. The physical medium is typically implemented as differential two-wire, but a single wire is also possible. The CAN specifies transmission rates of up to 1 Mbaud.
    "Although Memec Design has offered the CAN 2.0B core for some time, our Swiss engineering team recently optimized this intellectual property for Xilinx FPGAs," said Memec Design vice president Richard Joy, Ph.D. "We've had enormous success using Xilinx-specific architectural features to reduce the core size, and we look forward to offering our customers the benefits of this technical achievement."

    Price and Availability

    The CAN is available from these regional divisions of The Memec Group: Insight in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe; Impact in Europe and the United Kingdom; and Memec in Japan. The CAN Core can be purchased for $7,000; the CAN Development Kit can be purchased for $350. For more information on this and other Memec Design products, call 888/488-4133, ext. 270 (from the Americas only, toll free) or 858/638-4289, or go to www.memecdesign.com/can_core.

    About The Memec Group

    The Memec Group encompasses three specialist semiconductor distribution companies, Impact, Insight and Unique. Each company focuses on a finite number of supplier partners, thus enabling superior product knowledge and unparalleled demand creation capabilities. Although Memec companies operate independently, they all rely on Memec United, the global logistics and EMS services division, and Memec Design, the design and engineering division, to offer original equipment manufacturers complete semiconductor solutions. Located throughout 42 countries, The Memec Group companies collectively represent over 200 developers and manufacturers of advanced semiconductors and intellectual property. With recent start-ups and acquisitions in Japan and Eastern Europe, Memec continues to expand its presence to emerging key areas of the global semiconductor market. Go to www.memec.com for more information.