LSI adds software modems to chips

LSI Logic (LSI) will embed software modems from Motorola (MOT) into LSI's custom semiconductors.

The licensing pact expands Motorola's market for its V.34 software modems and boosts LSI Logic in the MIPS-based embedded processor industry. Both expect the technology pact to lower costs and make upgrades easier for devices like network computers, Web browser devices, game machines, and set-top boxes for satellite and cable TV.

Motorola's V.34 data/fax/voice software modem technology is part of its software communications initiative, focusing on products that utilize the main processor, such as a Pentium or PowerPC processor, as the computing engine for the modem. LSI Logic will add the Motorola software modem to its CoreWare library of building blocks for creating chips.

LSI expects to announce products based on newly licensed technology in the second half of 1997.