News CAST Complements Popular 8051 Family with New 32-bit Processor Core Partnership

CAST to sell, support, and build platforms around the BA22 processor IP core from Beyond Semiconductor

San Diego, CA, June 03, 2011 48th DAC — Semiconductor intellectual property (IP) provider CAST, Inc. has reached an agreement with Beyond Semiconductor by which CAST will provide Beyond Semiconductor’s BA22 processor core worldwide.

The BA22 is a fast, compact, power-saving, 32-bit RISC processor that CAST will offer without royalties. These capabilities plus easy development and integration features make the processor an excellent step up for CAST’s large base of 8-bit 8051 customers who need more processing power. In fact, the BA22’s programming code is so efficient that systems using it may require less silicon area than an 8051 with its respective code and memory.

CAST will package the affordable BA22 with peripheral controllers and other essential IP. The initial focus is on deeply embedded systems; later platforms will exploit the processor’s scalability and performance potential to support broader applications.

The platform approach gives customers a ready-to-use processor subsystem, and eases the transition to 32-bit processing for designers accustomed to similarly configured 8051 IP cores.

“The 8051 is still a good choice for many chips, but our experience with customers incorporating data-intensive functions like touch-based interfaces and high-res video makes it clear they really need a good 32-bit embedded processor,” said Bill Finch, CAST’s senior vice president for sales. “The silicon-proven BA22’s performance, tiny code footprint, and mature development tools make it a great choice for many new systems, while our 15 years of microprocessor IP experience and very attractive business model make CAST a great 32-bit processor provider.”

“CAST has a long track record as a smart, effective, customer-focused IP team that makes them a perfect match for our products,” said Matjaz Breskvar, chief executive officer of Beyond Semiconductor. “Working with them will enable us to bring highly customizable Beyond BA22 to new designers across the world while providing ease of use and excellent customer support.”

Limited availability of the BA22 from CAST begins now, with a full product roll out in the next quarter. IP integration services are also available.
Learn more by visiting http://www.cast-inc.com/ip-cores/processors32bit or emailing beyond@cast-inc.com. Participants in the 48th DAC in San Diego, June 5–8, are welcome to stop by CAST’s booth (2217) to see a demo and discuss the advantages of the BA22.

About Beyond Semiconductor

Beyond Semiconductor is a privately held fabless semiconductor IP company. Its comprehensive product offering features 32-bit embedded RISC/DSP processors with the highest code density in the industry. For more information, visit http://www.beyondsemi.com.

About CAST, Inc.

CAST, Inc. is a privately held company that provides semiconductor IP products and services. The company features advanced image/video processing and microcontroller IP families, plus the memory controllers, high-speed buses, peripherals, and other functions needed to build complete systems. Learn more at http://www.cast-inc.com/.