Raza Microelectronics Licenses the MIPS64 Architecture for Next Generation Processors

MIPS-Based™ XLR™ Family of High Performance Thread Processors™  Designed for Connected Computing Applications

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, May 16, 2005 -- MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIPS) today announced that Raza Microelectronics Inc. (RMI) has standardized on the MIPS64® architecture for the newly announced XLR™ family of Thread processors™, the first to be optimized for the growing throughput and multitasking demands of connected computing applications.  CEO and semiconductor pioneer, Atiq Raza, formally introduced RMI’s new product family and strategic direction today.

RMI’s new XLR processing solution, which is sampling now, is based on 32 threads powered by an enhanced MIPS64 CPU operating at up to 1.5GHz.  The XLR processor is a key enabler for the growing convergence of networking and computing applications – including integrated security (firewall, VPN, anti-virus, intrusion prevention), web services, virtualized storage, load balancing, server offload and intelligent routing and switching.  RMI has also been shipping the MIPS64-based XL™ family of processors for two years.

"We’re delighted to be working with MIPS Technologies,” said Nazar Zaidi, Vice President Product Development and General Manager, Advanced Processor Solutions, RMI.  “The MIPS architecture is the industry standard for embedded applications because of its acknowledged performance advantage and robust ecosystem of software and tools. The scalability, flexibility and functionality of the MIPS64 architecture made this the ideal choice for our new generation of threaded processors.”

“We are pleased that Raza Microelectronics has decided to make such a major commitment to the MIPS architecture,” said Jack Browne, VP of worldwide sales, MIPS Technologies. “It’s exciting to be such an integral part of the development of a processor family that is not only an industry first, but will provide RMI’s customers with a significant competitive advantage when it comes to performance, multitasking capabilities and throughput.”



About the MIPS64 Architecture

MIPS Technologies began developing its 64-bit processor architecture over a decade ago, based on the leading-edge RISC (reduced instruction set computer) research of MIPS co-founder John Hennessy, currently the president of Stanford University.  More than a dozen leading companies, including NEC, Toshiba, Broadcom, PMC-Sierra, IDT and LSI Logic have successfully deployed the technology in a variety of consumer and networking applications.

The demand for 64-bit processing is fueled by features such as streaming audio and high-definition video for small and large displays, cryptography enhancements for e-commerce, and the convergence of computing, communications, multimedia and encryption in new types of information appliances. The MIPS architecture has the rare capability of executing 32-bit and 64-bit code, in binary form, on 64-bit processors without the need to recompile. This capability allows system designers to select from a broad range of commercially available 32-bit and 64-bit MIPS code to accelerate the development of high-bandwidth, next-generation 64-bit products.

About MIPS Technologies

MIPS Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and business applications. The company drives the broadest architectural alliance that is delivering 32- and 64-bit embedded RISC solutions. The company licenses its intellectual property to semiconductor companies, ASIC developers and system OEMs. MIPS Technologies and its licensees offer the widest range of robust, scalable processors in standard, custom, semi-custom and application-specific products. The company is based in Mountain View, Calif., and can be reached at +1 (650) 567-5000 or http://www.mips.com.

About RMI

RMI (Raza Microelectronics, Inc.) is an innovative leader in silicon solutions designed to transform the Information Infrastructure.  The company’s portfolio of products provides the foundation for the next generation of scalable Enterprise, Access and Digital Imaging systems.  The XLR™ Processor is the first Thread Processor™ for Connected Computing while the Orion™ Intelligent Access™ Processor provides the industry’s first integrated solution delivering advanced packet services over existing transport infrastructure.  RMI’s XL™ Processor is power-efficient solution optimized for advanced digital imaging applications.  As a silicon execution machine, RMI’s unique ability to rapidly deliver semiconductor solutions enables system manufacturers to quickly respond to changing market needs.  RMI is headquartered in Cupertino, California with offices and development centers in China, India and Japan.  For more information, please visit www.razamicroelectronics.com.

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MIPS and MIPS64 are trademarks or registered trademarks of MIPS Technologies, Inc. in the US and other countries. All other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.