Cirrus Logic Expands ARM® Core Portfolio

New ARM9E Technology Reduces Cost and Complexity for Applications Requiring Both Digital Signal Processing and Control

AUSTIN, Texas - June 15, 2000 -- Cirrus Logic Inc. today announced it has licensed the ARM9E processor core from ARM (LSE: ARM and Nasdaq: ARMHY). The new ARM core combines both control and digital signal processing (DSP) functions in a single-processor architecture. With the addition of the ARM9E core to its embedded processor portfolio, Cirrus Logic broadens the higher performance processing options for customers in next generation system-on-chip solutions. Applications include Internet entertainment appliances such as set top boxes, game boxes and portable audio players, as well as hard disk drives, smart and screen phones, network computers, handheld digital assistants and two-way messaging devices.

Cirrus Logic worked closely with ARM to define the ARM9E core, to ensure important features were added to address the needs of real-time applications. Operations such as servo control (head placement accuracy) for hard disk drives, and audio signal processing for Internet music players are greatly improved by adding enhanced DSP and real-time debugging features.

"Aggressive innovators using the ARM9E core will enjoy the benefits of the new ARM architecture as well as the freedom of choice, without compromise, ensured by using an ARM core," stated Reynette Au, vice president of marketing, ARM. "By adding the ARM9E solution to its IP portfolio, Cirrus Logic is holding firm to its commitment of empowering customers with technology that enables innovation.?

"The addition of enhanced DSP functionality plus real time debugging features to the high performance RISC core in the ARM9E gives us new architectural latitude in developing system-on-chip solutions for our customers." said Peter Hillen, vice president of marketing in Cirrus Logic's Magnetic Storage Division. "For example, our 3Ci single chip hard disk drive solution need only use a single ARM9E core for servo control as well as system control instead of two separate processors, thereby giving us the optimal balance of size, power consumption and performance."

Benefits of New ARM9E Technology

The ARM9E single-processor solution includes enhanced signal processing capabilities, reducing system cost, chip complexity and power consumption, with faster time-to-market. The core is an efficient high-level language target, increasing programmer productivity and lowering software development costs. With the ARM9E core designers can use a single integrated environment for software development and debugging for DSP and microcontroller software. Combining the DSP and microcontroller removes duplication in many areas including memory system components, bussing, and on-chip trace and debug resources. In applications such as Internet appliances that use web browsers and soft-modems, the DSP processing capability that is freed up after the initial call set up can be utilized to improve the browsing experience. Such optimal power sharing is not possible when the DSP and microcontroller are separate.

Cirrus Logic's ARM Solutions

Cirrus Logic began its relationship with ARM in 1993 and by 1998 was leading the industry in design wins with more than 3 million ARM core-based solutions shipped that year. Cirrus Logic has seen success with numerous ARM core-based products including: the CL-PS7111, the industry?s first sub-50mW system-on-a-chip for a new class of low-power wireless voice/data communications products; the Maverick line of Market Specific Processors for popular Internet audio players, personal digital assistants, and Internet appliances; and the award-winning 3Ci platform, the first to enable single chip integration of hard disk drive electronics.

Cirrus Logic

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog and DSP chip solutions for Internet entertainment electronics. Building on its global market share leadership in audio integrated circuits and its rich mixed-signal patent portfolio, the company targets high-volume audio, storage and communications applications. Cirrus Logic sells its products under the Crystal®, Maverick and 3Ci brands as well as its own name. Founded in 1984 in Silicon Valley, Cirrus Logic operates from headquarters in Austin, Texas and major sites located in Fremont, California and Broomfield, Colorado as well as offices in Europe, Japan and Asia. More information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.