Cephasonics Expands Global Distribution Network With Addition of Altima to Support Japanese Sales

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cephasonics, Inc., a technology-innovation leader focused on delivering mixed-signal semiconductors, modules and subsystems to the imaging and ultrasound markets, today announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Altima Corp., a leading Japanese electronics distributor. Altima specializes in providing high-value-added ICs, electronic components, subsystems, systems and software in combination with in-depth technical support to a wide range of customers in various Japanese industries.

"We are thrilled to partner with Altima to deliver Cephasonics' ultrasound front-end sub-system and components solutions," said Richard Tobias, CEO and founder of Cephasonics. "Thanks to Altima's engineering-centered business model and connection to key decision makers in the medical-device industry, we've engaged with many Japanese companies developing innovative ultrasound based-solutions."

Cephasonics released the CSK9130, its second-generation ultrasound beamforming front-end system, late last year. Designed with Cephasonics' award-winning AutoFocus™ technology, the incorporated IC is the industry's only available receive beamformer ASSP. The highly configurable, flexible sub-system and IC support a wide range of ultrasonic-based applications from traditional imaging solutions to ultrasound-based point-of-care applications. Cephasonics also sells its award-winning 16-channel, 12-bit, 65Msps analog-to-digital converter that offers the industry's highest density and lowest power per channel. This device has been designed into various industrial imaging solutions as well as medical ultrasound.

"We're seeing wide customer interest in Cephasonics' embedded-ultrasound technology and solutions at our medical imaging accounts," said Akinobu Miyoshi, president of Altima Corp. "Their technology, available in complete sub-system, module, and IC forms, coupled with our deep technical and sales support, provides our customers with unparalleled complete solutions."

About Altima
Altima was founded in 1991 as a 100% subsidiary of Macnica, Inc. and has become "the unparalleled #1 value-added distributor" in the Japanese electronics and IT industries. Altima has specialized in providing high-value-added ICs, electronic components, subsystems, systems and software with in-depth technical support to a wide range of customers in the Japanese electronics, information and communications industries. Presently, Altima handles in excess of 30 lines, including subsystems and systems, and moreover, supports other Asia Pacific territories through Macnica Group worldwide. Additional information about Altima can be found at www.altima.co.jp.

About Cephasonics
Cephasonics, Inc. provides a complete range of technology, semiconductor and subsystem products that increase the performance, lower the power and accelerate time-to-market of ultrasound devices. Launched with a management buyout of Samplify Systems' Ultrasound Business Unit and headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., the company's technology and semiconductor products, including its AutoFocus™ beamforming technology and its SAM1600 family of ADCs, have won multiple industry awards for innovation. Additional information about Cephasonics can be found at www.cephasonics.com.

AutoFocus is a trademark of Cephasonics.

Agency Contact:
Judy Kahn
(650) 948-8881
[email protected]

Company Contact:
Danny Kreindler
(408) 518-2399
[email protected]

SOURCE Cephasonics, Inc.