ESPritTM 3G is world’s first behind-the-ear (BTE) speech processor with built-in telecoil and plug-in FM receiver for telephone and TV use
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA and SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, November 13,
2001 – Zarlink Semiconductor (NYSE/TSE:ZL) and Cochlear Ltd. today
announced that breakthrough features in Cochlear’s ESPritä 3G BTE speech
processor are based on the jointly developed Babel 24, an advanced, ultra
low-power analog-digital microchip.
The ESPrit 3G works with an internal implant to bring sound to people with
profound or severe hearing impairment, and is the world’s first BTE speech
processor with a built-in telecoil and plug-in FM receiver. The telecoil
lets the wearer use the telephone without external wires or connections.
With the plug-in FM receiver, the ESPrit 3G allows users to listen to the
TV via a wireless FM link.
Offering these features required the co-development of a high performance, mixed signal, or analog-digital, microchip capable of processing sounds at extremely low power levels. Cochlear’s ESPrit 3G
draws very low current, thus extending battery life.
“Collaborative R&D is an important element in Cochlear’s ability to
deliver world-leading innovations that improve our global leadership
position in the hearing implant market,” said Chris Daly, Cochlear’s R&D
strategist. “Working with Zarlink, we are once again delivering
world-first speech processor features.”
“Our advances in ultra low-power microchip technology is influencing the
development of all our medical integrated circuits,” said Steve Swift,
vice president and general manager, Medical Products, Zarlink
Semiconductor. “We also see the possibility of applying ultra low-power
technology in a range of other communications applications.”
Babel 24 chip most recent development in eight-year relationship Zarlink Semiconductor and Cochlear Ltd. started collaborative work in
1993. Joint R&D teams in Australia and at Zarlink facilities in Europe and
the U.S. have developed the core integrated circuits for the entire range
of ESPrit speech processors. Cochlear and Zarlink engineers worked
collaboratively on the Babel 24, a complex mixed-signal chip. Key to the
chip’s ability to process sound at very low power levels is a unique
switched capacitor filter bank that performs programmable spectral
analysis.
The Babel 24 is designed in CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor) technology and is made at Zarlink’s wafer fabrication plant
in Plymouth, England. In addition, a Cochlear-designed microchip for the
implant that operates in conjunction with the ESPrit 3G, is manufactured
at Zarlink’s wafer fabrication facility in Bromont, Quebec.
For more information on Cochlear’s cutting-edge ESPrit technology and
other products, visit
http://www.cochlear.com.
About Zarlink Semiconductor
Zarlink employs its formidable analog, digital and mixed-signal
capabilities to offer the most compelling products for wired, wireless and
optical connectivity markets and ultra low-power medical applications.
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 risks discussed in documents
filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in those filings.
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