1998-09-21 , S/IC-2041/45
Product News From Philips Semiconductors

Alliance Delivers Faster, Easier Development of Device Networks using Philips' XA Microcontrollers and EMIT Software

Philips Semiconductors today announced that its 16-bit XA (eXtended Architecture) microcontrollers will support EMIT^® (Embedded Micro Internetworking Technology™) software by embedded Internet software provider emWare^®, Inc. - offering Internet networking capabilities for devices controlled by the XA. The combined technologies of Philips Semiconductors and emWare eliminates the need for developers to create a proprietary solution for Internetworking devices and enables full Internet connectivity with reduced development time - allowing manufacturers to bring network-enabled devices to market faster.

"Our customers increasingly want the ability to connect large-scale networks to embedded devices for greater control and monitoring," said Geoff Lees, director of marketing, Microcontroller Business Line at Philips Semiconductors. "A natural network is the Internet. Using a standard web browser, emWare's EMIT software combined with our high-performance XA microcontrollers, is an inexpensive solution that enables designers to take full advantage of Internet technology to create devices that can be accessed and controlled fast and easily."

At the core of EMIT software's open, distributed networking architecture is the industry's smallest micro Web server, which uses as little as 1K of memory at the device. Standard Internet technologies, such as Java, HTTP and a Web browser interface are used to reduce client-side development and provide easy access, control and monitoring of XA-enabled devices via lightweight networks, such as I²C, RS485, CAN or RF. The user interface can operate on a remote Web browser, a directly connected laptop or even a handheld device. Where a user interface is not necessary, it can connect directly to an application or database.

"Device manufacturers are looking to provide their products with robust networking capabilities that leverage the power of the Internet and intranets," said Chris Sontag, chief technology officer and co-founder of emWare, Inc. "emWare's partnership with Philips Semiconductors allows manufacturers using 16-bit XA microcontrollers to integrate cost-effective Internetworking functionality not previously possible."

Philips Semiconductors' XA family of 16-bit microcontrollers meets designers' demands to bring to market high-volume, low-cost and high-performance embedded applications, such as communications devices, home and building security, and data collection devices such as utility meters. The XA architecture supports the operations of Philips Semiconductors' 8-bit 80C51 architecture, while incorporating support for multi-tasking operating systems and high-level languages such as C that enable high-performance embedded networking control.

Pricing and Availability
The emWare Software Developers Kit, which includes EMIT software is currently available by calling emWare at 1-877-4-EMWARE (1-877-436-9273). It will support any XA device, which is available from Philips Semiconductors starting at US$ 4.
For more information and pricing on XA devices, contact Philips Semiconductors or any of its worldwide distributors.

Philips Semiconductors is the world's leading supplier of the most popular 8-bit architecture, the  80C51, offering more than 100 derivatives. Cahners In-Stat Group, a high-technology market research firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, reported Philips Semiconductors' 80C51 sales of US$ 416 million in 1997, a 41 percent share of the 80C51 8-bit microcontroller market. Philips Semiconductors has recently extended this successful architecture into 16-bit performance with its XA. Now customers can preserve their software, development tools and technology investment in the 80C51 while capitalizing on the 16-bit performance requirements in a market expected to double in the next two years.

emWare is the sole provider of distributed embedded device networking software that delivers Internet connectivity for virtually any embedded equipment, including those with 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers, without requiring an RTOS or a TCP/IP stack at the device. The company develops products based on open Internet standards that allow embedded device manufacturers to simplify the use, management and commerce of their products. emWare partners with major microcontroller manufacturers, enterprise solution developers, and other technology providers to deliver embedded device networking solutions for virtually any device. The company is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, see  www.emware.com.

Philips Semiconductors, a division of Royal Philips Electronics, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world and the third largest supplier of discretes in the world. Philips Semiconductors' 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 systems labs.