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Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.: Zarlink's Timing Over Packet Products Support Critical Synchronization Requirements for 3G and 4G N

^{Published on 2009-10-08 06:38:35 - Market Wire}
 

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 8, 2009) - Zarlink Semiconductor (TSX:ZL) today announced enhancements to its recently introduced Timing over Packet (ToP) products to support strict timing requirements for 3G and 4G Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment. Zarlink's IEEE 1588 ToP products allow timing and synchronization information to be carried directly over packet networks, providing carriers with a real alternative to costly global positioning systems (GPS). Infonetics Research estimates the RAN equipment market will reach US$10.9 billion by 2013, from US$4.6 billion in 2008.

"Investments in next-generation Radio Access Networks are accelerating, with our ToP products now designed in with major equipment suppliers who represent over 50 percent of the RAN market," said Jeremy Lewis, product line manager with Zarlink's Timing and Synchronization product group. "Our highly integrated ToP products simplify and speed the design of new network equipment to allow manufacturers to reach market quickly. The products meet all synchronization requirements, including time alignment, as wireless networks evolve from GSM through GPRS and EDGE to WiMax and LTE. By deploying Zarlink's ToP products, carriers can gradually evolve to a more cost-effective packet network that supports a wider range of services."

Zarlink's ToP products allow timing and synchronization information to be distributed between radio network controllers and remote base stations directly over a higher bandwidth packet network. As a result, operators can replace expensive multiple leased lines traditionally used to backhaul voice traffic between cell sites with a more affordable packet infrastructure.

Zarlink's ToP products have been successfully demonstrated over a number of networks. Frequency accuracy of less than 30 parts per billion (ppb) and time alignment of less than plus/minus 1 microseconds (usec) can be achieved over five nodes using a cost-effective temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO). A detailed performance report is available to qualified customers.

Availability and support

Zarlink's ToP devices are currently in volume production. For more information visit the product profiles on Zarlink's website. Complete information on Zarlink's ToP products, including full data sheets and application notes, is available to qualified customers. To learn how to become a qualified customer, contact your local sales representative.

- ZL30310 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Network Synchronization: [ http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30110.htm ]

- ZL30312 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Network Synchronization: [ http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30312.htm ]

- ZL30314 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Network Synchronization: [ http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30314.htm ]

- ZL30316 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Timing over Packet Technology: [ http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30316.htm ]

- ZL30320 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Timing over Packet Technology: [ http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30320.htm ]

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: our dependence on the successful development and market introduction of new products; our ability to integrate any business, technologies, product lines or services that we have or will acquire; our dependence on revenue generation from our legacy products in order to fund development of our new products; current market conditions, including the lack of liquidity in the markets and economic slowdown, may increase our operating costs or reduce our revenue, thereby negatively impacting our operating results; our ability to operate profitably and generate positive cash flows in the future; the impact of the current economic crisis on our suppliers and customers and our ability to transfer parts to other suppliers; our dependence on our foundry suppliers and third-party subcontractors; order cancellations and deferrals by our customers; our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial position; the cost and accounting implications of compliance with new accounting standards; and other factors referenced in our Annual Report on Form 20-F. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in this filing.

Zarlink and the Zarlink Semiconductor logo are trademarks of Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.