AMI Semiconductor Introduces High-Speed CAN Transceiver; The AMIS-X660 Provides Excellent EMI Performance and Network Bus Protection

    POCATELLO, Idaho--March 31, 2003--AMI Semiconductor (AMIS), a leader in the design and manufacture of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), today introduced an ISO 11898-2-compliant, high-speed Controller Area Network (CAN) transceiver.
    The conformance-tested, Vd1.1-certified, AMIS-X660 is primarily intended for use in automotive applications where it provides the interface between a CAN protocol controller and the physical bus. The device is also suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
    The AMIS-X660 provides differential transmit/receive capability between the bus and the CAN protocol controller. Suitable for use in 12V and 24V systems, it is able to achieve transmission rates of up to 1Mbaud.
    The electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) is a major design concern for automotive industrial network designers. The level of immunity is extremely high, due to the wide common mode voltage range of the receiver inputs (+/-35V). Similarly, the transceiver has extremely low electromagnetic emission (EME) that results from the excellent matching of output signals. The low EME feature negates the need for a common-mode-choke. The AMIS-X660 transceivers are protected against the transients typical for automotive environments.
    The CAN bus remains undisturbed should an unpowered AMIS-X660 node be connected to the bus network. Built-in protection features of the AMIS-X660 include a thermal protection circuit that triggers shutdown at approximately 160 degrees Celsius, 45V load dump protection and continuous short circuit protection to supply and ground. A transmit data (TXD) dominant time-out function is also provided to prevent bus lines being driven to a permanent dominant state; a problem that can result in the blocking of all network communication. The AMIS-X660 is supplied in an SO-8 package and has an operating temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to +125 degrees Celsius.
    "AMIS is a traditionally strong player in the automotive, industrial and medical ASIC markets," said Karl Britton, product manager at AMIS. "We are now able to complement this with targeted ASSPs. The AMIS-X660 has class leading, reliable performance and outstanding EMC features. It will prove to be a useful component for design engineers, particularly those involved in the rapid growth area of in-car networking factory automation, and building security and management."

    Pricing and Availability

    The AMIS-X660 is currently available at .74 cents U.S. per unit in quantities of 5,000.

    About AMI Semiconductor

    AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a world leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art mixed-signal technologies and mid-range digital ASICs, including ASIC conversion services, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimum cost, quickest time-to-market ASIC solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of the United States, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, please visit the AMIS Web site at http://www.amis.com.