SCIENCE

MosChip Semiconductor Technology and Axxon have announced numerous connectivity board solutions using multiple MosChip devices. The new host adapters from Axxon feature PCI Express (PCIe) / Universal PCI interfaced serial and parallel port functions. Axxon has leveraged MosChip's advanced interface solutions to support current Microsoft Windows (XP to Windows 7, 32/64 bit), Linux (2.4.18+ kernels), VMware, OS/2, QNXSCO Unix platforms.

Axxon's LF757KB Rev E (PCI Express 4S RS232 single slot adapter) and LF2000KB (PCI Express 4S RS232 adapter with IDC connectors) use MosChip's MCS9900CV-CC, a single lane multifunction PCI express to I/O controller.

Axxon's LF898KB is a PCI Express EPP 1.9/ECP parallel port and leverages MosChip's MCS9901CV-CC controller that supports two serial ports, one parallel port and six GPIOs. The LF918KB is a PCI Express EPP 1.9/ECP (5 volt) parallel port also using MosChip's MCS9901CV-CC. Other Axxon connectivity cards that use MosChip's MCS9901CV-CC include, the LF2001KB, which is a PCI Express 2S RS232 + EPP 1.9/ECP (2S1P) single slot port adapter and the LF2002KB, which is a PCI Express 2S RS232 + EPP 1.9/ECP (2S1P) port adapter.

"Axxon always designs with high performance components for our products," said Kumar Bhatia, CTO for Axxon Computer Corp. "MosChip provides the advanced feature-rich components we need to enable design flexibility and grow our market lead. These devices from MosChip allow us to bring quality board solutions to the market quickly and competitively."

Axxon has also unveiled some Universal PCI solutions based on MosChip devices. Axxon's LF904KB is a Universal PCI 2S RS232 adapter driven by the MosChip MCS9865CV PCI peripheral controller. The MCS9865CV features dual-channel UARTs with deep 256 byte FIFOs, dual enhanced 1284 compliant parallel ports and an ISA style local bus. Other Universal PCI designs from Axxon that leverage the MCS9865CV controller include the LF915KB (UPCI EPP 1.9/ECP parallel port) and the LF916KB (UPCI 2S RS232 + EPP 1.9/ECP) 2S1P port adapters.

"Our long partnership with Axxon demonstrates MosChip's market leadership in providing robust component solutions that address a myriad of connectivity applications and the end-to-end design needs of systems designers and manufacturers," commented Ram Reddy, Chairman and CEO of MosChip Semiconductor. "We look forward to continued collaboration with Axxon and all our customers."

Axxon's PCIe and Universal PCI solutions are ideal for computer system interfacing with RS232-based peripherals such as external modems; serial and parallel printers; security dongles; serial POS equipment and instrumentation.

"At MosChip, we've developed a strong expertise in delivering well-built chip solutions that combine with our comprehensive design services for an end-to-end solution," said Sam Sanyal, Director of Technical Marketing for MosChip Semiconductor. "This significantly contributes to system manufacturers' goals of reducing design-related costs and, with an optimized solution, results in a faster time to revenue."

Pricing and Availability
All solutions are available through Axxon and its distributor and reseller network. All Axxon boards are expected to be available by the end of Q1 2011. Axxon pricing is expected to start at $20 for PCIe-based solutions and for Universal PCI solutions. All MosChip components used by Axxon are now available through MosChip. Pricing for MosChip's components is dependent on the component type and quantities purchased but, generally range from $5-10 in 1,000 quantities.