1997-09-30 , S/IC-750/650

TwoChipHCG* Plus with SED 1354 IC provides handheld personal computer and OEMs with 16-bit color support and full VGA capabilities

San Jose, Calif. -- September 30, 1997 -- Philips Semiconductors' Handheld Computing Group today announced it has teamed with Epson to expand the functionality of its TwoChipHCG* Plus processor. Philips' TwoChipHCG* Plus, the handheld personal computer (H/PC) industry's most integrated high-speed, low-power consumption solution with full V.34 softmodem capability, will now provide OEMs and end users with high-resolution 16-bit color support.

"We anticipate that the H/PC market will explode much like the laptop segment and we need to continually integrate high-speed, prolonged battery life, and color capabilities to meet those growing demands," said Stefan Braken-Guelke, general manager, Philips' Handheld Computing Group. "We selected Epson because it is a proven leader in the industry and one that provides a high-quality VGA solution for our customers who need to build color devices."

Philips' TwoChipHCG* Plus, with increasing functionality such as the Epson-enabled 16-bit color along with V.34 communications, is a key architecture driving the H/PC market with an entirely different design approach: a highly integrated solution to optimize the operations between hardware and software.

"The growing H/PC market is enabling semiconductor companies to develop solutions that provide OEMs with FLEXible application options while, at the same time, delivering users increased performance and functionality," said Gerry Purdy, president, Mobile Insights. "Philips TwoChipHCG* Plus is one of a number of recent advances in H/PC semiconductors that meets the demands of consumers for performance, communications and power consumption. The addition of Epson's technology means that Philips can now offer a complete solution that anticipates the emergence of more intensive OS platforms."

The TwoChipHCG* Plus consists of Philips' PR31700, UCB1200 and V.34bis softmodem, as well as Windows CE device drivers. The enhancements to the chipset offer end users improved performance (72 Mips), color LCD support, and integrated touch, phone and audio functions for handheld computers.

The softmodem greatly increases communication capabilities through faster modem speeds, up to 33.6 Kbps. End users receive increased bandwidth for their handheld computers without sacrificing the color quality of the user interface.

Cost for the chipset, combined with the software fax/modem, is US$39 in 100,000-unit quantities. For pricing, ordering and availability outside the United States, contact your local Philips Semiconductors Sales Office or Authorized Philips Distributor. For sales information, call 1-800-447-1500, extension 1429.

Philips Semiconductors, Inc., a subsidiary of Philips Electronics North America and an affiliate of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world. Philips SemiconductorsÌ innovations in digital audio, video and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by regional customer applications labs. Additional information on Philips Semiconductors can be found on the home page at www.semiconductors.philips.com.

For More Information Contact

Philips Semiconductors Jodi Guilbault 408/991-2332  Jodi.Guilbault@sv.sc.philips.com

Miller/Shandwick Technologies Richard Cline 415/962-9550  rcline@miller.shandwick.com