Philips Semiconductors extends smart card IC portfolio with HiPerSmart, a powerful 32-bit smart computing platform

Philips Semiconductors extends smart card IC portfolio with HiPerSmart, a powerful 32-bit smart computing platform

15 October 2001 - Philips Semiconductors, a division of Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), today launches HiPerSmart, the first 32-bit smart computing platform to be manufactured using an advanced 0.18 µm CMOS process. Based on SmartMIPS architecture from MIPS Technologies, the HiPerSmart platform offers enhanced memory and security features for high volume multi-application cards for banking, e-business and 3G wireless applications. It is particularly well suited for UMTS Integrated Circuit Cards (UICC), including USIM and RUIM applications.

The introduction of HiPerSmart extends Philips Semiconductors' portfolio of smart card ICs and fulfills the requirements of the next generation of smart cards. By combining its advanced 0.18 µm process technology with a 32-bit SmartMIPS Core, Philips Semiconductors now enables smart card manufacturers to create 32-bit products for leading-edge, high volume applications in a reliable and cost efficient manner.

"HiPerSmart affirms Philips Semiconductors' continued dedication to the development, expansion and improvement of its smart card IC-based identification products," said Reinhard Kalla, business line manager for Chip Cards in the Business Unit Identification at Philips Semiconductors. "With the introduction of HiPerSmart, we are addressing future market demands for leading edge, high performance smart cards for a range of low power applications including 3G wireless communications, corresponding UICC cards, banking and e-business."

The HiPerSmart platform optimises the path to secure, high performance UICCs and is the best in its class in low power design. It enables the straightforward implementation of key competitive features for Java applications, such as personalization and customization, using low power technology as required by the multi-applications markets.

The HiPerSmart platform offers additional security features including cryptography co-processors for DES/AES and PKI and supports the easy implementation of virtual machines such as Java. It also contains a highly efficient Memory Management Unit (MMU) suitable for multi-applications and, in accordance with the move towards low voltage operations in GSM handsets, supports operating voltages from 1.6V to 5.5V. In addition, the advanced 0.18 µm technology enables Philips Semiconductors to provide 32-bit products with Flash in different configurations in a cost-efficient manner.

Designed for use in chip cards and other form factors, such as USB tokens, the HiPerSmart computing platform enables the development of powerful products with a wide range of memory configurations. Meeting the increasing market demand for larger memory, the first product to be based on the HiPerSmart platform, the P9SC128, is providing 64 Kbyte Flash, 64 Kbyte EEPROM, 256 Kbyte ROM, and 7Kbyte RAM.

About Philips Semiconductors
Philips Semiconductors, with revenues of US $6.3 billion in 2000, is a world leader in silicon systems and standard products for wireless communications, digital entertainment, computing and automotive applications. The organization designs, develops and manufactures silicon solutions based on its innovative Nexperia architecture to create living technology for its customers building products, service providers using the products, and consumers enjoying the resulting products and services. For more information: www.semiconductors.philips.com.

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