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Zarlink Introduces New Tools To Simplify Design of Hands-Free Voice Communication Systems
OTTAWA, CANADA, May 30, 2007 – Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.
(NYSE/TSX:ZL) today introduced a range of tools that simplify the design
of hands-free communication systems, including car kits, speakerphones
and home automation systems. Complementing Zarlink’s platform of
hands-free voice processing solutions, these design tools include a full
evaluation board, mini-evaluation board and a “plug and test” diagnostic
kit.
“These new design tools remove voice processing ‘black magic’ that has
hindered some hands-free system manufacturers,” said Andre Coucopoulos,
marketing manager for Zarlink’s hands-free voice processing products.
“These new tools help manufacturers quickly evaluate the voice
performance of their hands-free system, reduce tuning complexity, speed
design time and shorten time-to-market.”
Zarlink’s hands-free voice processing evaluation board provides
interfaces to connect to PSTN line, cellphone, PC audio port, handset
and speaker drivers. The evaluation board is controlled by an
easy-to-use GUI (graphic user interface). Zarlink software can be
directly interfaced to the customer’s own platform.
Mini-evaluation kit smaller than business card
The plastic enclosure design of a hands-free communication system can
play a significant role in voice performance. For example, a
speakerphone plastic enclosure may inadvertently heighten echo and
create distortion. Zarlink’s mini-evaluation board is smaller than a
business card, and fits directly into most plastic enclosures.
Manufacturers can quickly evaluate the performance of Zarlink’s
hands-free voice processing solution in their existing plastic design.
Zarlink also offers the ZLE38000 “plug and test” diagnostic tool kit and
software to measure key performance parameters, including echo profile,
frequency response, signal level, and total harmonic distortion. The
diagnostic tool kit and software provides manufacturers with a real-time
evaluation of voice processing performance. For example, the tool kit
measures echo return loss and echo return level for the acoustic echo
and line echo cancellers. The kit can measure noise level in all signal
paths, along with residual echo level and returned echo level. The
diagnostic tool kit allows manufacturers to fine-tune performance to
ensure voice quality.
Availability and support
Zarlink’s suite of design tools supports the company’s portfolio of
hands-free voice processing solutions. The ZL38004 platform is an
enhanced voice processor integrating advanced firmware and functionality
for high-end hands-free communication systems. The ZL38005 device
delivers high-quality voice processing performance and is an
easy-to-implement solution for mainstream hands-free communication
systems. Zarlink also offers the lightly featured ZL38002 digital echo
canceller for basic hands-free communication.
Complete information on Zarlink’s hands-free voice processing solutions,
including reference designs and detailed data sheets, is available to
qualified customers. To learn how to become a qualified customer send an
email to VoiceProcessing@Zarlink.com. Alternatively, contact your local
sales representative.
About Zarlink Semiconductor
For over 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The Company’s success is built on its technology strengths including voice and data networks, optoelectronics and ultra low-power communications. For more information, visit www.zarlink.com.
Shareholders and other individuals wishing to receive, free of charge, copies of the reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Regulatory Authorities, should visit the Company’s web site at www.zarlink.com or contact Investor Relations.
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the following: rapid technological developments and changes; our ability to continue to operate profitably and generate positive cash flows in the future; our dependence on our foundry suppliers and third-party subcontractors; order cancellations and deferrals by our customers; increasing price and product competition; and other factors referenced in our Annual Report on Form 20-F. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in this filing.
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Zarlink and the Zarlink Semiconductor logo are trademarks of Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.
For further information:
Edward Goffin
Media Relations
613 270-7112
edward.goffin@zarlink.com
Mike McGinn
Investor Relations
613 270-7210
mike.mcginn@zarlink.com
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