AutoXray Qualifies AMI Semiconductor High-Speed CAN Transceiver for use in Automotive Diagnostic Equipment

POCATELLO, Idaho--Oct. 1, 20049, 2004--AMI Semiconductor , a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art structured digital and integrated mixed-signal products, today announced that AutoXray, a leading provider of automotive diagnostic equipment, has qualified the AMIS-30660 high-speed controller area network (CAN) transceiver IC for use in its products.

The qualification means that the AMIS device has proven its interoperability with other manufacturers' transceivers; essential in a market where automobile manufacturers may use devices from a wide range of suppliers.

"This is a very important design win for AMI Semiconductor and will certainly help us continue to gain market share with our line of qualified automotive transceiver products," said Bob Klosterboer, senior vice president of integrated mixed-signal products. "AMIS-30660 offers better technology than the competition, leading to extended operation, cost savings, easier implementation, and enhanced performance and operation across a wide range of vehicles from different automobile manufacturers."

Fully compatible with the ISO 11898-2 standard, AMI Semiconductor's AMIS-30660 is a high-speed CAN transceiver IC that operates at up to 1Mbaud per second and provides the interface between a CAN controller and the physical bus. The highly integrated device allows designers to minimize component count, while ensuring excellent EMC performance.

The AMIS-30660 has low levels of electromagnetic emission (EME) -- negating the need for an external common mode choke, low electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) and high levels of protection against the electrical transients found in automotive environments. The significant degree of resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI) exhibited by the device is due to the wide common-mode voltage range of its receiver inputs (+/-35V), enabling it to deliver more robust performance than competitive devices.

Since all of AutoXray's diagnostic tools are battery operated, the class-leading low standby current of the AMIS-30660 provides an important additional benefit by allowing a longer cycle time between battery charges.

"We've been very pleased with the performance of the AMIS-30660," said Jay Seashore, chief technical officer for AutoXray. "We tested it with a wide range of vehicles, including heavy duty trucks, and feel that it's a great fit for our product offering. The AMIS-30660 has a lower stand-by current than other products, which makes it compatible with AutoXray's battery-operated diagnosis tools."

About AMI Semiconductor

AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal products, mixed-signal foundry services and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor 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.