1997-03-13 , ESC9616

Philips Semiconductors today announced an agreement with Computer Access Technology Corporation (CATC) to offer a turnkey solution for developing USB-controlled computer monitors. Under this agreement, CATC will work with Philips to provide a suite of USB-compatible software that supports Philips' USB Hub IC (PDIUSBH11).

Philips' USB Hub IC is the most optimised solution available for monitor applications. Philips provides the hardware reference development kits and the control firmware to integrate the USB Hub IC easily into existing monitor architectures. The firmware translates VESA Display Data Channel (DDC) commands and allows communication with the USB Host (PC). CATC's Display Manager includes a software driver that complies with the latest USB Display Device Class specification. It also includes a Windows™-based user application for monitor control, allowing software adjustment of colours, geometry and set-up, to accommodate individual taste and requirements. This complete monitor solution is available now and is on display at CeBIT.

The agreement with CATC is the latest in a series of steps taken by Philips to accelerate market adoption of USB. With its strategic location on the desktop, a USB hub-equipped computer monitor offers a convenient connection point for many peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, scanners, and more. USB hubs are essential blocks in USB topology for hot plug-and-play of peripherals.

"We are deeply committed to supporting USB Hub functionality in monitors. Philips is a major supplier for monitor ICs and our Hub roadmap reflects how we are combining our monitor and USB expertise to bring exciting new capabilities to the market, at the lowest system cost," said Nimesh Parikh, General Manager for USB products at the Asia Product Innovation Center in Singapore. "CATC has been a pioneer in USB technology and has established de-facto standards for many USB products. CATC brings great value to this relationship since our customers can now add monitor control functionality with Philips' USB Hub."

"The combination of our Display Manager suite and Philips' USB Hub will provide a compelling and attractive solution for monitor manufacturers around the world, and will further accelerate the take up of USB in the market," said Dan Wilnai, President of CATC. "Also, Philips is a leader in the development of USB technology and we are pleased to partner with a company that is synonymous with technical innovation."

The USB standard was defined by a group of PC and telephone industry leaders to bring hot plug-and-play-style ease-of-use to peripherals that connect to the outside of the PC. USB-enabled PCs and peripherals are ideal for the fast-growing Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) market, because peripherals can be added without the need to open the PC. USB will also help realise lower support and administration cost for PCs, making it attractive in the corporate environment.

Philips Semiconductors, a division of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the eleventh largest semiconductor supplier in the world. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video and mobile technology position the company as leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by systems labs.

CATC, founded in 1991, is a product design, manufacturing and marketing company supplying advanced device connectivity hardware and software solutions to the computer industry. CATC has pioneered many USB products including USB Development Tools, USB Production Testers and the Galaxy USB Hub™ Family. CATC also offers Licensed USB hardware and software designs and Engineering & Compliance Test Services. The company, headquartered in Santa Clara, USA, is privately held.