Next-Generation Computed Tomography Partnership Opens Significant Growth Potential for austriamicrosystems

austriamicrosystems IC Solutions Help Enable Siemens'Next-Generation Computed Tomography (CT) Systems Redefining theClinical Role of CT

austriamicrosystems (SWX:AMS), a leading global designer andmanufacturer of high-performance analog integrated circuits (ICs), andSiemens Medical Solutions (Med), one of the world's largest suppliersto the healthcare industry, today announced that austriamicrosystemswill supply Siemens Medical Solutions with detector electronics ICsfor the platform of its newest computed tomography (CT) system SomatomDefinition as part of austriamicrosystems' strategic partnership withSiemens Medical Solutions for CT applications. The long-termpartnership covering IC design and related process development has nowresulted in the world's most innovative computed tomography detectionelectronics to be used in current and future image processing systemsfrom Siemens.

Exactly matching the stringent performance requirements of Med'sCT detector electronics, austriamicrosystems' high performance opticalinterface readout IC is responsible for acquiring signals in real-timeand digitising them with great precision. austriamicrosystems' ICsolution helps to ensure exceptional image resolution and imageacquisition speed, resulting in CT images of unprecedented quality anddetail which offer substantially increased diagnostic speed andconfidence. A Siemens system may comprise more than 1,000austriamicrosystems ICs with the largest scale of integration requiredby the very high number of measurement channels.

Measuring signals in the range of picoamperes (10-12 amperes), atlevels thought impossible only a few years ago, the innovative IChelps Siemens Medical Solutions to design CT systems with the minimumof X-ray necessary, providing significant patients benefits due tovastly reduced patient exposure. Integrated into Med's newest highperformance CT systems among others, austriamicrosystems' IC solutionoffers significant market potential in the global CT market, one ofthe strongest growing areas in medical technology worldwide.

"Through close collaboration with Siemens we designed a highlyadvanced solution that fully meets the demanding performanceparameters of Siemens' CT detector electronics" said Franz Faschinger,General Manager Industry & Medical at austriamicrosystems. "SupplyingSiemens Medical Solutions with a dedicated IC serving their portfolioof advanced CT systems is another milestone in our strategy to providehigh performance analog solutions to major players in the globalhealthcare industry."

"To maintain and expand our position as one of the leadingcompanies in the worldwide CT market, we wanted to go beyond currentsolutions, pushing technical and clinical boundaries to the nextlevel" said Dr. Bernd Ohnesorge, Vice President, Global CT Marketingand Sales at Siemens Medical Solutions. "Taking advantage ofaustriamicrosystems' unique expertise in designing maximum performanceanalog ICs, we were able to set a new trend in CT technology with thisnew generation of detector electronics."

"We are excited to be a key partner for Siemens Medical, a clearleader in advanced CT systems," added John Heugle, CEO ofaustriamicrosystems. "This is yet another example of how we leverageour world class analog design expertise to offer leading-edge analogsolutions to our customers worldwide. From this and other successfulICs we expect significant growth in our medical business in the comingyears."

About austriamicrosystems

austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of highperformance analog ICs, combining almost 25 years of analog designcapabilities and system know-how with its own state-of-the-artmanufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems leverages itsexpertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leadingcustomized and standard analog products. Operating worldwide with morethan 900 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the areas of powermanagement, sensors & sensor interfaces, portable audio and car accessin its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive,complemented by its Full Service Foundry activities.austriamicrosystems is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich(ticker symbol:AMS).

For more information please visit www.austriamicrosystems.com