Austriamicrosystems to Fab Triad Mixed-Signal Structured ASICs

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. & UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, Austria--June 8, 2005--Triad Semiconductor Inc., a pioneer in the development of mixed signal structured ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) technology, announced that the MSSA-1 platform has transitioned to production status with austriamicrosystems as the fabrication partner.

The MSSA Platform addresses the widening gap between skyrocketing IC development costs with advanced semiconductor processing technology and the fact, that 39% of ASIC designs reach volumes up to 100,000 units, which do not justify these costs. Triad's mixed signal structured ASIC solutions enable companies to get semiconductors to market quickly, with low development costs and reduced risk.

While structured ASICs are well-adopted in the digital IC market, Triad Semiconductor's MSSA-1 platform takes the proven "structured ASIC" approach into the mixed signal domain by adding a structured arrangement of analog building blocks to the design platform concept. The mixed-signal structured ASIC is ideal for embedded systems that require analog interfaces, local digital processing and communication functions. Using ViaPATH(TM) design tools from ViASIC (http://www.viasic.com), the array elements are automatically configured and interconnected into an ASIC without the expense and delay traditionally associated with full-custom, manual layout. Triad offers a flexible range of customer relationships from the turn-key design and manufacture of custom chips to the license of libraries, EDA tools and related technology.

The first MSSA platform, the MSSA-1 is ideal for producing SoC ASICs that contain sensor interface circuits, amplifiers, filters, A/D converters, D/A converters, digital processors, and communication interfaces. A few example applications include medical monitoring devices, instrumentation and wireless sensor networks.

"Digital structured ASICs are the fastest growing segment of the semiconductor industry," said Dan Wrappe, CEO of Triad. "Until now, there was not a mixed-signal equivalent for rapid design and low cost development. We are pleased to announce production tooling of the MSSA-1 mixed-signal structured ASIC platform. We chose austriamicrosystems as our fabrication partner due to their commitment to quality, focus on mixed signal processes, and depth of experience."

"Triad Semiconductor's engineers have created an innovative mixed-signal IC design and manufacturing platform," said Peter Gasteiner, Senior Vice President and General Manager Full Service Foundry of austriamicrosystems. "Considering the large market potential for specialized analog mixed-signal systems on a chip solutions, we are very pleased they have selected our 0.35 micron process."

For additional information, please visit the company web site located at www.triadsemi.com.

About Triad Semiconductor, Inc.

Triad Semiconductor, Inc. is a privately held fabless semiconductor company with headquarters in the Piedmont Triad Research Park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. For more information, please visit the web site located at www.triadsemi.com or call (336) 721-9450.

About austriamicrosystems AG

With headquarters near Graz, Austria, austriamicrosystems AG is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of highly integrated mixed signal ICs. austriamicrosystems combines more than 20 years of design capabilities, product and marketing know-how with a full service silicon foundry specialized in mixed signal, RF and HV applications. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems is organized in four strategic business units: Communications, Automotive, Industrial & Medical and Full Service Foundry.

Additional information can be found on following Internet pages: http://www.austriamicrosystems.com and http://www.asic.amsint.com