Synergetic launches EC-1 system-on-chip

Nashville, Tenn.— In a press conference attended by several technology partners, Synergetic Micro Systems Inc. (Downers Grove, Ill.) introduced its first multi-function, system-on-chip device designed specifically for embedded and industrial applications.EmbeddedComm/EC-1 is expected to enable communications and help industrial and medical applications achieve the same productivity gains ...

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Nashville, Tenn.— In a press conference attended by several technology partners, Synergetic Micro Systems Inc. (Downers Grove, Ill.) introduced its first multi-function, system-on-chip device designed specifically for embedded and industrial applications.

EmbeddedComm/EC-1 is expected to enable communications and help industrial and medical applications achieve the same productivity gains that Internet and Ethernet-based solutions have achieved in office settings. Synergetic's partners helped develop many of the system-on-chip's functions. These partners include Accelerated Technology Inc., First Silicon Solutions, Paradigm Systems, Peak Systems, Panel-Tec, Pro-face America, and Hilscher GmbH.

"Every segment of the embedded marketplace can benefit from a common platform that provides the type of low-cost, high-value, Internet-enabled communications that Ethernet provided the office," says Mike Justice, Synergetic's president. "EmbeddedComm/EC-1 SoC [system-on-chip] meets this need by combining a powerful microprocessor and on-chip memory with 10/00 Mbps Ethernet, multiple CAN channels, multiple serial channels, and Siemens' Profibus master/slave technology, which enables data transfer from any embedded application to the Internet. The EC-1 chip is expected to revolutionize the embedded, industrial, transportation, and medical industries by providing high-performance, low-cost connectivity."

EmbeddedComm/EC-1 consists of Ethernet, CAN bus, and Profibus combined with a 12+ MIPS, Intel 80186-compatible device operating at 48 MHz with on-chip memory that delivers zero wait state performance. (For more coverage, see "Technology Update, Synergetic's 'EmbeddedComm' moves board onto chip," CE, Feb. '01, p. 9.)

For more information, Circle 347 or visit www.synergetic.com or www.controleng.com/freeinfo.

U.S. Micropower Market Demand by Product Type (in millions of $)

Source: Control Engineering with data from the Freedonia Group Inc. (Cleveland, O.), www.freedoniagroup.com

Demand for micropower products (prime movers rated at 10 Mw and under) is expected to increase in the U.S. by 12.7% per year to reach $6.1 billion through 2005, according to a recent study, "Micropower," by the Freedonia Group Inc. (Cleveland, O.). Exclusive of established products (engine- and turbine-based generator sets), the market for advanced micropower products (microturbines, fuel cells, and photovoltaics) is expected to increase by 20% annually during this period.