Kaben and Jazz Collaborate on 5GHz Synthesizer and VCO

Synthesizer IP Enables Multi-Mode Wireless Systems in SiGe60

OTTAWA and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - June 06, 2003 - Kaben Research Inc., a developer of mixed-signal, Intellectual Property (IP) blocks for Wireless manufacturers, and Jazz Semiconductor, a leading, high-performance radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal silicon wafer foundry, today announced an alliance to offer 5GHz Fractional-N Synthesizer and voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) IP will be provided for the Jazz silicon germanium (SiGe) 60 process.

The Jazz SiGe60 is a mature, low power, cost-effective solution for innovative, high-performance applications. Designers have the flexibility of using any combination of three bipolar (NPN) transistors, each of which provides a different optimization for power and speed. SiGe60 is the integration of second-generation SiGe bipolar technology with 0.35-micron gate length complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and three- to four-layer metalization on 8-inch wafers.

The Kaben Fractional-N Synthesizer IP blocks will offer increased system functionality due to an output frequency resolution of 100Hz or less and a low phase noise of -90dBc/Hz at 5GHz output. This low phase noise and fine resolution will enable multiple wireless standards, such as combinations of multi-mode GSM, WCDMA, CDMA2000, WLAN a/b/g, or Bluetooth.

"Establishing a broad selection of RF and mixed-signal circuit IP, proven in Jazz technologies, shortens our customers' design cycle and time-to-market," said Paul Kempf, chief technology officer and vice-president of engineering at Jazz Semiconductor. "Our partnership with Kaben Research provides easy access to synthesizer technology that addresses the needs of highly integrated wireless devices."

"In today's wireless technology environment, it is vital that SoC vendors have access to IP, a low cost manufacturing process, and design kits targeting wireless technology," said Seste Dell'Aera vice-president of marketing at Kaben Research. "Teaming with Jazz on their SiGe60 process will bring a critical IP component to help customers build products that meet demanding industry standards at a competitive cost."

About Kaben
Kaben Research is an IP company focused on design, development, and licensing of mixed-signal building blocks that are key to creating future SoC products. The company delivers high-performance, proven IP blocks to SoC manufacturers in the wireless communications market that significantly reduce risk, cost, and time to market. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.kabenresearch.com.

About Jazz Semiconductor
Jazz Semiconductor manufactures semiconductor wafers that enable the development of high-performance, low-power radio-frequency (RF) wireless and broadband wireline communications products. The company's rich heritage in analog and RF integrated circuits (IC) manufacturing has evolved into a leadership position in silicon germanium (SiGe) bipolar complementary metal oxide semiconductor (BiCMOS) and silicon BiCMOS technologies and design tools that are setting the standard for communications IC foundry services. The company's wafers are manufactured using bipolar, BiCMOS, SiGe, analog, and mixed-signal CMOS process technologies. The ISO9000-certified facility includes 100,000 square feet of Class 1 clean-room space, and has the capacity to support 21,000 eight-inch wafer starts per month. Jazz Semiconductor is a privately held company headquartered in Newport Beach, CA., and has approximately 700 employees. To learn more, visit us at www.jazzsemi.com.