AMI Semiconductor Introduces RoHS Compliant Integrated Digital Hearing Aid Solution

From: AMI Semiconductor - Apr 4, 2007

The Orelaâ„¢ 4555 hybrid module enables manufacturers to build hearing aids using environmentally friendly components from AMI Semiconductor

Pocatello, Idaho - April 2, 2007 -- AMI Semiconductor (NASDAQ: AMIS), a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products for the automotive, medical and industrial sectors, today announced the availability of the environmentally friendly Orela 4555 RoHS compliant packaged hybrid for digital hearing aids.

Constructed with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant materials, Orela 4555 is the latest addition to AMI Semiconductor’s Orela 4500 series of integrated circuits and packaged hybrid modules. The Orela 4555 was specifically designed as part of the company’s continuing commitment to embrace global environmental initiatives. It is based on the same open programmable DSP core combined with the company’s patented WOLA filter-bank coprocessor found in the existing Orela 4500 series products and is fully software code compatible.

RoHS is a directive of the European Parliament that went into effect on July 1, 2006 with the goal to restrict the use of certain materials in the production of new electrical and electronic equipment. Although medical devices, including hearing aids, are exempt from the directive, many companies are choosing to reduce the use of restricted materials as part of their general environmental policy. AMI Semiconductor now makes this option available to hearing aid manufacturers.

In addition to RoHS compliance, the Orela 4555 also features a reduced mechanical size and improved electro-acoustic performance to further help hearing aid manufacturers design unique, yet versatile, products in all possible form factors: CIC, ITE, RITE, BTE, and mini-BTE. The company has ensured that transitioning to Orela 4555 from the existing Orela 4500 series packaged hybrids requires only minimal design layout changes.

“In addition to being RoHS-compatible, the Orela 4555 hybrid module has added functional enhancements that will benefit both existing and future hearing aid products,” said Michel
De Mey, senior director, hearing and audio solutions at AMI Semiconductor. “With these enhancements and by enabling customers to implement environmental initiatives for their products, we are confident that manufacturers will transition to this RoHS compliant component quickly.”

As part of its commitment to offering completely tailored solutions, AMIS also has advanced development tools, hands-on training and full technical support. In addition, the company’s network of solution partners is also available to offer development support that enables manufacturers to quickly supplement and broaden their hearing aid product portfolios.

Additional product information can be found on the company’s website at: http://www.amis.com/products/dsp/orela_4500.html

About AMI Semiconductor’s Solutions for the Hearing Aid Market

A leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world, AMI Semiconductor offers the most widely deployed open platform DSP systems for the hearing aid market. With an unmatched combination of expertise in ultra-low power digital signal processing and wireless technologies, best-in-class development tools, a deep understanding of the unique needs of the market and a global network of solution partners, the company develops and delivers semiconductor solutions that play a key role in advancing the functionality and performance of today’s hearing solutions.

About AMI Semiconductor

AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of the North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

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