Microcosm Technologies and Cronos Team to
Provide "JumpStart" on MEMS Development

CARY, NC, Jan. 22 -- Microcosm Technologies, Inc., a provider of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) development solutions, and Cronos Integrated Microsystems, Inc., a developer and supplier of proprietary MEMS components and component technologies, have joined forces to provide JumpStart^TM -- a design solution for developing and prototyping MEMS devices. MEMS integrate several functions -- including fluidics, optics, mechanics, and electronics -- on a single silicon chip using traditional integrated circuit process technology.

JumpStart consists of Microcosm's Catapult^TM MEMS design tool with integrated layout generators, an engineering design kit for the Cronos certified MUMPs^TM (Multi-User MEMS Processes), and a reserved slot on a Cronos MUMPs fabrication run.

According to Microcosm and Cronos, JumpStart allows developers to create, verify, and optimize a design using Microcosm's Catapult layout software, then seamlessly transfer the design to Cronos for fabrication according to their design specifications. Approximately 12 weeks later, customers receive 15 prototype chips as unreleased die. Multi-user photomask generation, wafer fabrication, dicing into 1 cm. x 1 cm. individual chips, and shipping are included.

The two companies added that JumpStart is particularly suited to developers who are new to MEMS, such as R&D researchers, start-up companies, universities, and graduate students interested in rapid prototyping of new concepts.

"JumpStart simplifies MEMS design, because we have packaged everything an entry-level designer will require -- including Microcosm layout tools, tutorials, a MUMPs process description, cell generators, design rules, and a multi-project wafer run slot," said Dave Cook, Microcosm's vice president of Worldwide Sales. "It's a practical way to apply first concept practices to a prototype design or test structures today, while enabling a natural path to other Microcosm software and services for addressing more complex design challenges."

JumpStart is available on Unix and Windows NT^TM platforms and is sold exclusively through the worldwide Microcosm sales channel. The U.S. introductory price is $6,000. Special packaging and release options are available at additional cost.

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