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PSI Evaluating Maxwell Technologies Single Board Computer for Air Force Research Laboratories Space Science Mission

Posted on: Monday, 30 August 2004, 06:00 CDT

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Maxwell Technologies, Inc. announced today that it has delivered two prototype SCS750 single board computers to Planning Systems Inc. (PSI) for evaluation as a fault-tolerant computing platform in systems that PSI is developing for the Air Force Research Laboratory's Deployable Structures Experiment (DSX) space science mission.

Larry Longden, Maxwell's director of technology and marketing, said that the SCS750, which employs proprietary component shielding technology and novel system-level architecture to mitigate radiation effects, has demonstrated error-free performance in extensive testing that simulates environmental radiation encountered in space.

"Solar flares and other natural phenomena generate radiation that can cause processing errors or permanently damage electronic components in spacecraft and satellites if the electronics aren't specifically designed to withstand the effects of radiation," Longden said. "We have subjected the SCS750 to radiation levels far in excess of what typically is experienced in space, and the results indicated an error rate of less than one in 10,000 years."

Jim King, senior principal engineer in PSI's Melbourne Controls Group, said that the SCS750 prototype engineering modules are being evaluated as part of a fault-tolerant general purpose controller system for the DSX program.

"The success of this program will depend on systems that must operate reliably for the life of the mission, so we are conducting our own rigorous testing to ensure that every component and sub-system meets extremely high fault-tolerance standards," King said.

The SCS750 is based on a "triple modular redundancy" design in which three IBM PowerPC 750FM(TM) processors run the same program at all times and "vote" on each operation. If one of the processors disagrees with the other two, the system is automatically resynchronized and resumes error-free operation. Other components on the board are protected by Maxwell's proprietary shielding and packaging technology.

Longden said that DSX is one of several space programs for which the SCS750 is being evaluated, or has already been designed-into, and that Maxwell expects to begin delivering flight boards in 2005.

Maxwell's radiation-mitigated microelectronic products include power modules, memory modules and single board computers that incorporate powerful commercial silicon for superior performance and high reliability in aerospace applications. Maxwell also is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative, cost-effective energy storage and power delivery solutions. Our BOOSTCAP(R) ultracapacitor cells and multi-cell modules and POWERCACHE(R) backup power systems provide safe and reliable power solutions for applications in consumer and industrial electronics, transportation and telecommunications. Our CONDIS(R) high-voltage grading and coupling capacitors help to ensure the safety and reliability of electric utility infrastructure and other applications involving transport, distribution and measurement of high-voltage electrical energy. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.maxwell.com/.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These include development and acceptance of products based on new technologies, demand for original equipment manufacturers' products reaching anticipated levels, cost-effective manufacturing of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing and risks and uncertainties involved in foreign operations. These and other risks are detailed from time-to-time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Maxwell Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT: Media & Investors, Michael Sund, +1-858-503-5171,msund@maxwell.com, or Technical, Larry Longden, +1-858-503-3399,llongden@maxwell.com, both of Maxwell Technologies, Inc.

Web site: http://www.maxwell.com/

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