Integrated Sensor Solutions, Inc. Begins Shipments of ASIC
24 June 1998
Integrated Sensor Solutions, Inc. Begins Shipments of ASIC for Gasoline Direct Injection Engines
SAN JOSE, Calif., June 24 -- Integrated Sensor Solutions,
Inc. ("ISS") today announced that it has begun production
shipments of its SCA2095 Application Specific Integrated Circuit ("ASIC") to
Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd., ("Nagano") of Tokyo, Japan. The SCA2095 is used by
Nagano in a pressure sensor for Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") engines
produced by Mitsubishi Motors.
GDI engines are becoming increasingly popular among car makers and are
expected to lead to significant growth opportunities. GDI engines provide the
benefits of improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. In addition to
Mitsubishi, a number of other engine manufacturers, including Toyota, are
developing GDI engines.
"This program represents potential sales of 3-5 million units per year,"
stated Manher Naik, President and CEO of ISS. "The strong combination of
ISS's mixed signal ASIC technology with leading-edge sensor technology from
our partner Nagano Keiki forms an enabling technology for new automotive
systems such as GDI engines."
The SCA2095 is a single chip signal conditioning ASIC for use with
resistive bridge sensors. The SCA2095 integrates into a single chip a number
of signal conditioning functions that have previously been implemented with
larger and more costly discrete solutions, hybrid technologies and laser
trimming methods commonly used in the industry for sensor calibration and
signal conditioning.
A key to the SCA2095's cost-effectiveness and accuracy is its use of
electronic trimming for sensor calibration replacing the more costly laser
trimming method. Electronic trimming allows calibration to be done digitally
using a computer-controlled automated test system. Because calibration is
done using software, electronic trimming not only allows for greater accuracy
levels to be achieved, but also requires less capital outlay for equipment and
labor, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
The electronic trimming is used to perform a fine adjustment of the sensor
gain and offset so that the output signal can be corrected for sensitivity and
zero errors and for differences from sensor to sensor. The SCA2095 also comes
equipped with a built-in temperature sensor for correcting the sensor output
over its operating temperature range and offers diagnostic features such as an
on-chip alarm function, which alerts the user to electrical connection
problems within the sensor.
ISS designs, manufactures and markets high performance, intelligent sensor
products that are used in electronic control systems by customers in the
automotive and industrial markets. The Company's products are application
specific integrated circuits ("ASICs") and integrated sensor devices ("ISDs").
The Company's initial focus on automotive applications has resulted in its
products being designed into a broad range of electronic control systems such
as fuel injection, tire pressure, engine control, air bag, suspension and
brake systems. While continuing its efforts to further penetrate the
automotive market, the Company has leveraged its technology to develop
products that address high volume industrial applications including utility
gas meters, refrigeration, air conditioning and process control systems.
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 625 River Oaks
Parkway, San Jose, California 95134, and the Company maintains manufacturing
facilities in San Jose, California and Dresden, Germany. The Company's
telephone number is 408-324-1044, and its facsimile number is 408-324-1054.
The Company maintains a web site at http://www.intellisens.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the
Company's beliefs and intentions that involve risks and uncertainties. The
Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in such
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in product yields,
changes in customer demands, changes in product requirements, risks associated
with international operations and other risks discussed in the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its
Registration Statement on Form SB-2, as last amended on March 13, 1998.