GI acquires 32-Bit Processor license from MIPS Technologies, Inc.

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Constance Sweeney,
MIPS Technologies, Inc.
Manager, Public Relations
650-567-5059
cks@mips.com

Mark Ferrone
Brodeur Porter Novelli
408-324-4848
mferrone@brodeur.com

GI ACQUIRES 32-BIT PROCESSOR LICENSE FROM MIPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif, (October, 14, 1999) MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIPS) today announced that General Instrument Corporation (NYSE:GIC) has signed a licensing agreement that enables General Instrument to incorporate 32-bit MIPS® processor technology into custom system-on-chip (SOC) silicon.

"The license from MIPS Technologies offers us the additional flexibility to develop custom SOCs and add new features down the road," said Dave Robinson, senior vice president and general manager of GI's Digital Network Systems business unit.

Consumers will benefit from this agreement because next generation home entertainment systems will be able to provide more interactive service cost effectively using both 32-bit and 64-bit microprocessor technology. The DCT-5000+, the world's first true convergence platform, already uses a MIPS-based™ 64-bit chip to provide new levels of advanced interactive broadband services in addition to the services offered on the DCT-2000 platform. With a MIPS-based 64-bit processor, 32-bit 3D graphics engine, integrated DOCSIS-compliant cable modem, and large memory cache, the DCT-5000+ delivers PC-like power and functionality to the home theater experience. With this powerful technology combination, North American cable television multiple system operators (MSOs) can offer additional revenue-generating services using GI's unique Triple Tuner™ architecture, which allows consumers to simultaneously watch TV, surf the Internet and talk using the advanced IP telephony capability available on the DCT 5000+ platform.

"We are pleased that GI has chosen to license MIPS Technologies' processor IP (Intellectual Property) for its advanced set-top terminal," says John Bourgoin, CEO of MIPS Technologies, Inc. "As the world leader in providing converging technologies, GI's commitment to the MIPS® architecture further validates industry acceptance offor a flexible and powerful architecture such as MIPS."

Advanced set top terminals have diverse requirements and often need more than one CPU. Often separate processors are used for a variety of essential functions including driving the user interface, supporting cable modems, controlling conditional access and providing graphics processing. To meet these diverse requirements, MIPS Technologies' licensing model allows OEMs many choices in adopting the MIPS architecture. From synthesizable cores for flexibility and portability to hard cores at foundries or ASIC providers, to off-the-shelf silicon in standard products, the MIPS architecture provides the ultimate in sourcing flexibility.

"GI has deployed over five million interactive digital set-tops, making them the market leader with more than 75 percent of the installed base to date. "The set top box market is quickly moving from analog to digital and MIPS-based™ processors have been widely adopted," said Tony Massimini, Chief of Technology, Semico Research Corporation. "The MIPS® architecture will likely help GI maintain the lead the as the demand for set top box products continues to grow."

"With the widest range of embedded processor development tools support and the largest number of processor design teams, the MIPS® architecture provides more flexibility than any other embedded processor," says Derek Meyer, vice president of worldwide field operations at MIPS Technologies, Inc. "Within the next year, 32- and 64-bit MIPS-based processors will be available for use in SOCs with performance specifications ranging from 10 to 1000 MIPS (millions of instructions per second).

About MIPS Technologies, Inc.

MIPS Technologies, Inc. is the world's primary architect of embedded 32- and 64-bit RISC processors. 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 manufacturing companies, ASIC developers, and system OEMs. MIPS Technologies, Inc. and its licensees offer the widest range of robust, scalable processors in standard, custom, semi-custom and application-specific products.

Licensees currently include: Alchemy Microprocessor Design Group; ATI; Broadcom Corporation; Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing; CommQuest (IBM); General Instruments; Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT); Lara Technology; LSI Logic Corporation; Macronix; NEC Corporation; NKK Corporation; Philips Semiconductors; Quantum Effect Design, Inc. (QED); Sony Corporation; SiByte; Synova; Texas Instruments Incorporated and Toshiba Corporation. Numerous companies utilize MIPS-based™ intellectual property. MIPS Technologies, Inc. is based in Mountain View, California, and can be reached at 650-567-5000 or http://www.mips.com.

MIPS is a registered trademark of MIPS Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. All press materials are available on the World Wide Web via: http://www.mips.com.