Realtek's RTU7300 and RTU7105 Ultra-Wideband Controllers Achieve WiMediaTM Platform Certification

HSINCHU, Taiwan and IRVINE, Calif. – October 8, 2007 – Realtek Semiconductor Corp. (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 2379.TW), one of the world's largest IC design houses and a market leader in Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, today announced that its RTU7300 UWB Media Access Controller (MAC) and RTU7105 single-chip combined UWB MAC and physical layer (PHY) solution have each achieved approval as WiMedia Certified Platforms, as part of the first set of platform certifications from the WiMedia Alliance.  The certification establishes the full compliance of the RTU7300 and RTU7105 with the WiMedia MAC specification, which is designed to enable flexible formation of wireless personal area networks and coexistence between devices supporting different protocols, including Certified Wireless USB, next generation Bluetooth, and IP-over-UWB.

WiMedia Platform Certification is required for all devices implementing the WiMedia MAC specification, including all Certified Wireless USB and next generation Bluetooth devices, and represents the second and final required component of the WiMedia certification process.  The first required component, approving devices compliant to the WiMedia PHY specification, was previously completed, and included approval for Realtek’s RTU7010 and RTU7012 UWB physical layer devices.

“Completion of the WiMedia Certification Program is a major milestone for the Ultra-Wideband industry, finally enabling shipment of products, and assuring customers of the interoperability of devices from multiple vendors” said Ran Yan, senior vice president, wireless communications technologies at Realtek. “Today's WiMedia Alliance announcement validates Realtek's leadership position in all aspects of WiMedia technology and completes Realtek’s full portfolio of required WiMedia certifications.  The RTU7300 and RTU7105 are the first in a series of Realtek product offerings that will provide support for Certified Wireless USB, next generation Bluetooth, and the WiMedia Alliance IP-over-UWB protocol.” 

The WiMedia MAC protocol contains many novel features that are designed to maximize suitability for wireless personal area network applications. These features include the fully distributed nature of the MAC; there is no requirement or provision for central control of the network, enabling any two devices to form a network. The MAC enables coexistence of multiple simultaneously operating higher-level protocols that can partition use of the wireless medium efficiently. In addition, the MAC emphasizes reservation-based channel access, minimizing required power consumption and building on the unique advantages of the underlying Ultra-Wideband physical layer technology, which itself enables much lower power consumption than is possible with other wireless technologies.

Availability
RTU7300 and RTU7105 samples are available now.

About Realtek
Realtek Semiconductor Corp. is one of the world's leading IC providers. It designs and develops a wide range of IC products for wired and wireless communications network, computer peripheral, and multimedia applications. Products include 10/100/1000M Ethernet Controllers, 10/100/1000M Ethernet Switch/Gateway Controllers, 10/100/1000M Ethernet PHYceivers, Wireless LAN Controllers & AP/Router SoCs, ADSL2+ Chips, VoIP Solutions, WiMedia^TM-based Ultra-Wideband Chips, AC'97/High Definition Audio Codecs, Clock Generators, Card Reader Controllers, and LCD Monitor/LCD TV/DTV Controllers.  With advanced design expertise in RF, analog, and mixed signal circuits, and with strong manufacturing and system knowledge, Realtek offers full-featured, high-performance, and competitive total solutions.  More information on Realtek can be found on the website: www.realtek.com.tw.

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