ITRAN Communications Demonstrates IT800/SCP Power Line Communication Transceiver Based Devices

The New IT800/SCP Power Line Communication Chip Seamlessly Extends the Benefits of UPnP to Devices with Limited Processing Power and Memory and to Networks with Limited Bandwidth

January 7, 2002

Las Vegas, NV, January 7, 2002 /PR Newswire/ -- Consumer Electronics Show 2002 -- ITRAN Communications, Inc., a leading designer and developer of mixed-signal power line communication (“PLC”) modem chips for home networking and power line access applications demonstrated for the first time today IT800/SCP enabled devices. The IT800/SCP ASIC, a collaboration of ITRAN and Microsoft Corp., implements ITRAN’s robust and highly reliable IT800 power line carrier command/control transceiver and Microsoft’s Simple Control Protocol in a single system-on-chip, seamlessly extending the benefits of Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) architecture to devices with limited memory and processing power and to networks with limited bandwidth.

The IT800/SCP ASIC provides an efficient, inexpensive means to network lightweight devices. Controllable by application microprocessors as inexpensive as low-end eight-bit PICs, the IT800/SCP ASIC design is optimized for use with simple devices such as light switches, alarm clocks and appliances. Not only can the IT800/SCP chip be part of a peer-to-peer network of other SCP-enabled devices but also, via Microsoft’s SCP-to-UPnP Bridge, it can link seamlessly with UPnP networks.

Based on ITRAN proprietary, patented Differential Code Shift Keying (“DCSK”) modulation technique, the IT800 is an extremely robust and reliable PLC transceiver, optimized for command and control. Consumer acceptance of PLC based products requires that viable solutions clear two primary hurdles, reliability and price, and the IT800 is the first power line modem to meet both of these requirements.

“The IT800/SCP chip provides an easy, inexpensive, no-new-wires means to network lightweight devices. It is an ideal and cost effective solution for manufacturers of home appliances, lighting systems and simple everyday devices to bring their costumers the innovation and convenience of home automation and control,” explained Stuart Melnick, ITRAN’s General Manager and Managing Director. “With the addition of the IT800/SCP ASIC to the Company’s ITM1 and ITM10 high-speed PLC chip sets, ITRAN further extends its reach into the rapidly growing market for “no-new-wires” automation, networking and device control.”

IT800/SCP based device demonstrations are being held at the ITRAN Power Line Suite during CES, Hilton Suite HE571, and supported by Microsoft Corp.’s Windows eHome Division. In addition the company will be showing its IT-Mega line of high-speed power line modems.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with ITRAN in bringing SCP to market. The IT800/SCP chip is a significant advancement for the home-control industry, and together with UPnP will accelerate innovation and the development of new and exciting products for the connected home,” stated Kevin Eagan, business team general manager, Microsoft Windows eHome Division. “ITRAN has one of the most reliable power-line chips available for this market segment, and it shares Microsoft’s vision of bringing the benefits of a connected home lifestyle to mass market consumers.”

IT800/SCP Evaluation and Development Kits are available for purchase by preferred customers. For more information or ordering details, please contact the Company directly at itranusa@ITRANcomm.com.

About SCP

The IT800/SCP chip, a collaboration of ITRAN and Microsoft Corp., and supported by General Electric, Matsushita, Mitsubishi and SMART LLC, is a lightweight, royalty-free technology for device networking, home control and smart appliances. Optimized for devices with limited memory and processing power and for networks with low bandwidth, such as the inexpensive, ubiquitous PLC medium, SCP is complementary to Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) technology and is designed to seamlessly bridge the capabilities and usage scenarios for UPnP networks to networks and devices not capable of supporting TCP/IP. UPnP and SCP together will enable consumers to control their entire home from one logical network, from the simplest smart devices, such as light switches, to sophisticated consumer electronic devices. SCP employs standard UPnP device models and will coexist with and enable convergence of the existing CEBus standard and Home Plug & Play (TM) specification.

About ITRAN Communications

ITRAN Communications, a communications semiconductor company, designs, develops, and markets proprietary systems-on-chip for Power Line Communication, Networking and Access applications. ITRAN’s very dependable, low-cost PLC modems enable reliable high speed and command/control communication over existing electrical wiring infrastructure. A co-development of Microsoft and ITRAN, the IT800/SCP ASIC provides a unified platform for home automation and device control. SCP supporters include General Electric, Matsushita, and Mitsubishi. High-speed partners include Kansai Electric Power, Matsushita and other leading companies. www.yitran.com

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