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Microcosm and Cronos Team to Give Designers a Jump Start On MEMS Development

25 January 2000

Microcosm Technologies and Cronos Team to Give Designers a Jump Start On MEMS Development

    CARY, N.C.--Jan. 25, 2000--Microcosm Technologies, Inc., a global provider of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) development solutions, and Cronos Integrated Microsystems, Inc., a developer and supplier of proprietary MEMS components and component technologies, announced today that they are teaming to provide JumpStart(TM), a design kit that provides a low-risk, inexpensive, efficient turnkey method for developing and prototyping MEMS devices.

    A Unique Design Solution

    JumpStart(TM) is a unique MEMS design solution consisting of Microcosm's Catapult(TM) MEMS design tool with integrated layout generators, an engineering design kit for the Cronos certified MUMPs(TM) (Multi-User MEMS Processes), and a reserved slot on a Cronos MUMPs(TM) fabrication run. With JumpStart(TM), developers can create, verify, and optimize a design using Microcosm's Catapult(TM) layout software, then seamlessly transfer the design to Cronos for fabrication according to their design specifications. Approximately twelve weeks later, customers receive 15 prototype chips as unreleased die. Multi-user photomask generation, wafer fabrication, dicing into 1 cm. x 1 cm. individual chips, and shipping are included.
    MEMS are highly miniaturized devices that integrate a number of functions including fluidics, optics, mechanics and electronics on a single silicon chip using traditional integrated circuit process technology. MEMS merge sensing, actuating and computing into miniature systems that enable enhanced levels of perception, control and performance. JumpStart(TM) is particularly suited to developers who are new to MEMS, R&D researchers, start-up companies, universities and graduate students interested in testing their concepts in silicon, and designers and engineers interested in rapid prototyping of new concepts. Using JumpStart(TM), customers can identify value in the tools, process, foundry, and technology to support potential subsequent broader investment.

    Practical Entry into MEMS Development

    "JumpStart(TM) simplifies MEMS design, because we have packaged everything an entry level designer will require, including Microcosm layout tools, tutorials, a MUMPs(TM) process description, cell generators, design rules, and a multi project wafer run slot," said Dave Cook, Microcosm's Vice President of Worldwide Sales. "It's a practical way to apply first concept practices to a prototype design or test structures today, while enabling a natural path to other Microcosm software and services for addressing more complex design challenges."
    The Cronos three-layer polysilicon surface micromachining process is designed to be as general as possible to provide maximum user flexibility. "As a leading supplier of MEMS solutions, Cronos has an overriding goal to make the implementation of MEMS components, MEMS component technology, and MEMS fabrication as easy as possible for the application engineer, said Cronos' Jesko von Windheim, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. "Jump-Start(TM) is an exciting first step towards realizing a long term vision to develop an infrastructure where application engineers can very easily create complex structures that implement Cronos MEMS component technology."

    Pricing

    JumpStart(TM) is available on Unix and Windows NT(TM) platforms and is sold exclusively through the worldwide Microcosm sales channel. The U.S. introductory price is $6,000. Special packaging and release options are available at additional cost.

    About Microcosm

    Established in 1996, Microcosm Technologies, Inc. provides a comprehensive approach to MEMS-enabled product development. The Microcosm solution combines robust design automation software, professional engineering services, an extensive network of manufacturing partnerships, and a proven methodology that enables companies to efficiently move products from concept to volume manufacturing. Microcosm software and services have an established base in major companies developing MEMS products worldwide, including Motorola, Siemens, Omron, ST Microelectronics, Texas Instruments, and Xerox. Microcosm's corporate headquarters is in Cary, NC. The company also has sales and support offices located in Cambridge, MA; Colorado Springs, CO; San Mateo, CA; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Paris, France. The company is privately held. For further information visit our web site at http://www.memcad.com or contact Gail Massari, Senior Manager, Marketing Communications, at 919-854-7500 (Ext. 102), massari@memcad.com.

    About Cronos

    Cronos Integrated Microsystems Inc., an industry leader in the emerging MEMS marketplace, develops and supplies proprietary MEMS components and component technologies in communications, microinstrumentation, and other emerging markets. Cronos engages in virtually all aspects of MEMS development and manufacturing, from initial concept to fully fabricated devices, including both prototyping and volume production. As a result, Cronos is the gateway to MEMS application development for corporations in a wide variety of consumer and industrial markets. Cronos can be reached at P.O. Box 13942, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709 or on the web at www.memsrus.com. For further information contact Deborah Scheidt, Marketing Communications Manager, at 919-380-1316 (Ext. 118), dscheidt@memsrus.com, or by fax at 919-465-0486.