Embedded Internet Solutions with Extreme Connectivity from ZiLOG

	Embedded Internet Solutions with Extreme Connectivity from ZiLOG

	Company:	ZiLOG
	Category:	Embedded Internet
	Date:	10-Jan-2000

	Campbell, CA (January 10, 2000) – ZiLOG Inc.Ò (formerly ZLG on the NYSE), the Extreme ConnectivityÓ Company, today launched a new corporate initiative to develop advanced embedded solutions that harness the power of the Internet, home and office networks, and next-generation communication devices. "We are a company that is committed to creating possibilities for people by using Extreme Connectivity," said Curtis J. Crawford, ZiLOG's Chairman, President and CEO. "ZiLOG technology enables Extreme Connectivity by connecting people to the Internet, to home and office networks, and embedding the power of cutting-edge electronics in hundreds of everyday products. We also do this by developing advanced embedded solutions that will expand the bandwidth for voice and data communications, and by transforming home entertainment platforms into interactive networks and Internet gateways. "People are familiar with the idea of hooking up their TV to a stereo system. We want to take them to the level of Extreme Connectivity, where they can link all of their critical electronic devices and interact with them via remote devices or over the Internet," Crawford added. "This is the ultimate expansion of the Internet, networking and communications technologies. Connecting people and technology in ways they never thought of before. Our goal is to enrich people’s lives by embedding new convenience, safety and communications capabilities in user friendly devices." ZiLOG's strategic focus builds upon the connectivity solutions the company developed in 1999. The company’s new products will be linked by their ability to make Extreme Connectivity come to life. Products ZiLOG's portfolio of Extreme Connectivity products include: The eZ80™ Internet Engine, which provides easy Internet connectivity for 8-bit devices and marks the company’s expansion into the "embedded Internet" market. This gateway platform will address markets such as industrial and home controls. The Cartezian™ Communications Engine, which combines DSP and RISC technologies in a single soft core, along with peripherals and communications software. Cartezian routers and switches are targeted for the Central Office and home-office networks. They are designed to dramatically expand the bandwidth "pipe" for data and voice communications. The Wave™ chip, a new line of smart Z8 microcontrollers for wireless communications devices. Wave chips provide unparalleled flexibility for wireless spread spectrum data and voice communications. They are ideal for wireless data terminals, point-of-sale systems and handheld computing devices. M@ilTV™ transforms a simple TV into a computer network and Internet gateway. An affordable alternative to high-cost Internet TV products, M@ilTV provides consumers with immediate access to email, shopping and other Internet services through an easy-to-use interface that is designed for non-technical users. To access the service, consumers simply plug a telephone line into the back of their TV. Extreme Exprezzway™ microcontrollers for the Digital Home. ZiLOG Z8™ controllers, integrated with the EMIT® device-networking software made by emWare®, enable devices to communicate with or without Internet connectivity. They are ideal for connecting appliances, security systems, heating, lighting, phones and entertainment systems. Several of ZiLOG's Extreme Connectivity solutions for the Digital Home and Digital Office were showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. These include the Wave™ Communicator, a wireless module that combines the capabilities of a cordless telephone and a remote control for handheld computing devices, such as the Handspring Visor. At CES, this technology activated a series of home appliances and electronics, including alarm clock, coffee pot, room lights and music. A second featured solution is ZiLOG's AHI Navigator™, a next-generation TV remote control that recognizes handwriting on a touchpad. This solution offers a "smart" alternative to infrared keyboards. It couples the familiarity of an everyday TV remote with state-of-the-art handwriting recognition technology. This dual functionality gives consumers fingertip control of all TV and Internet functions accessible through TVs. A Company Focus ZiLOG's expansion into Extreme Connectivity solutions leverages the company’s technology expertise in developing communications devices and integrated microcontrollers for homes, appliances, commercial buildings, and entertainment systems. The company’s core competencies - processor core design, digital signal processing, high-speed wired and wireless (IR and RF) data communications - provide ideal platforms for developing next-generation communications and control technologies. Each of ZiLOG's three business units, Communications, Integrated Controls and Home Entertainment, is focused on developing solutions that will expand Extreme Connectivity. The Integrated Controls division, for example, is focused on the Building Controls and the Digital Home environment, where appliances communicate with each other in consumer friendly ways, such as wirelessly or through the power lines in the walls. The Home Entertainment division creates infrared, touchpad and TV controllers that can transform a TV set into the monitoring station for the digital home and a gateway to the Internet for email and other services. The Communications division, meanwhile, develops serial and mixed signal communication devices, embedded modems, digital signal processing, routers and switches to enable Internet connectivity for the home and Central Office. ZiLOG is collaborating on Extreme Connectivity projects with companies that make home appliances, security systems, TV sets and handheld communication products. Potential customers also include the high-tech companies that are spending billions of dollars to expand Internet communications to every corner of the globe. "We intend to provide affordable and scalable connectivity technologies for existing customers --- such as companies in the home appliance market --- while reaching out to new customers in high-growth markets," Crawford said. "Our solutions will include devices, software and tools that enable customers to develop new products for people who want to take advantage of the possibilities of Extreme Connectivity." Here are some examples of Extreme Connectivity solutions: A sprinkler system will automatically download a weather report from the Internet to determine whether it should be turned on. The opening of a garage door triggers "welcome home" commands throughout the rest of the house that disarm the security system, turn on the lights, turn up the heat and display new emails on a M@ilTV system. Appliances and office equipment may be monitored and maintained automatically by manufacturers through a seamless Internet connection. When a printer runs low on ink, for example, the manufacturer dispatches a new cartridge to the house. "One of the keys to Extreme Connectivity is ease-of-use," Crawford said. "Our embedded solutions offer the benefits of connectivity without requiring people to become technology experts or re-wire their homes. The end result is that people get more control over their lives, they gain new conveniences that enrich their lives, and their homes become much safer. With no new wires." ZiLOG and Z8 are registered trademarks, and Wave Communicator, eZ80, Cartezian, Wave, AHI Navigator, eZVision and Extreme Exprezzway are trademarks of ZiLOG Inc. "Extreme Connectivity Copyright ZiLOG 1999". M@ilTV is a trademark of World CallNet. EmWare and EMIT are registered trademarks of emWare, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Microcontrollers for Embedded Systems Designers

Embedded Internet Solutions with Extreme Connectivity from ZiLOG

Microcontrollers for
Embedded Systems
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