Spain’s silicon and software developer Design of Systems on Silicon S.A (DS2) is using austriamicrosystems' foundry service unit to produce an advanced analog chip, DSS7800, for powerline communications (PLC). Designed to be used in the analog front end (AFE) for in-home PLC networking, the DSS7800 conforms to the Universal Powerline Association´s (UPA) global powerline standards and is the basis for development of compact, lower cost, high-performance 200 Mbps PLC products.

The DSS7800 chip complement’s DS2´s digital chip family used in home networking applications. “We are delighted to be able to announce volume production of our new chip with austriamicrosystems during first quarter in 2007. Our new analog chip is the only available customized analog chip for PLC communications. We will be demonstrating this product during the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 8 to 11.," said Jorge Blasco, president and CEO of DS2.

The DSS7800 is fully compliant with UPA specifications. It integrates a large number of components on the chip that reduces cost and the time involved in the design and the development processes of UPA-certified modem manufacturers, said DS2.