Sierra Semiconductor Corp, San Jose, California claims that its new SC11046 is the industry’s first single-chip 2,400bps modem to incorporate a Group III-compatible facsimile operating mode for transmitting graphics and ASCII files and documents to facsimile machines and to personal computers equipped with fax modems. Pin-compatible with Sierra’s SC11006 2,400bps modem chip, the part comes with bundled Sendfax communications software, which is needed to draw or scan and transmit a file. The software includes an integrated communications package. Available in a 28-pin moulded dual in-line and plastic-leaded chip carrier packages, the SC11046 will be sold in a kit that includes the SC11011 controller. The DIP- and PLCC-packaged versions of the SC11046 with the SC11011 are available now at $84 and $85.40 respectively for 100-up. The company reckons that high-volume modem suppliers should be able to offer products with the Sendfax capability for less than $40 over the price of a conventional 2400bps modem – as little as $170 at the discount retail level. The company says that several modem suppliers are expected to introduce 2400bps modems using the new chip within 60 days.
