ARM and MStar Extend Relationship with License for ARM Cortex-A9 Processor

MStar adds to portfolio of ARM Intellectual Property (IP) for use in
smart-TVs, set-top-boxes and smartphones

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom--April 23, 2012--ARM today announced that MStar, a leading semiconductor supplier for display and digital home solutions, has licensed the ARM® Cortex™-A9 MPCore™ and ARM926EJ-S™ processors, in addition to a range of ARM system IP for use in smart-TVs, set-top-boxes (STBs) and smartphones. MStar is already a licensee of the ARM Mali™-400 MP Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), which is used in mass production for MStar smart-TV system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. By extending its ARM IP portfolio MStar will be able to provide solutions featuring a range of feature-rich ARM technology.

The agreement includes a license for the ARM CoreSight™ Design Kit. CoreSight System IP will allow MStar SoC designers to optimize their high performance SoC designs using ARM debug and trace technology. This decreases development time and mitigates risks associated with smart system design.

"As a leading supplier of application processors, MStar has an in-depth understanding of what the present and future requirements are for key markets, such as smart-TVs and smartphones,“ commented WK Chia, vice president of research and development, MStar. "Our deepening relationship with ARM, through this new license for the Cortex-A9 processor and other advanced IP, will enable us to provide our customers with high-performance, energy-efficient solutions. MStar SoC solutions based on a wide range of ARM processor, GPU and system IP will be available soon and address consumer demand for advanced user experiences."

"As consumers expect their world to be at their fingertips, they demand advanced user experiences from manufacturers of the latest smart-TVs and smartphones," said Simon Segars, executive vice president and general manager, processor and physical IP divisions, ARM. "MStar is able to provide OEMs with the latest SoC solutions to address these markets using our highly successful Cortex processor, Mali GPU and CoreSight system IP. We value the innovation that the deepening relationship between the two companies has encouraged and look forward to continuing to work with MStar.”

About MStar Semiconductor, Inc.

MStar Semiconductor, Inc. ("MStar") is a world-class leader in Application Specific ICs ("ASIC") with a focus on consumer electronic products and communication applications. Since the inception in 2002, MStar has established a strong brand and leadership position in LCD controller, analog and digital TV, set-top box, and mobile communication applications by fully leveraging its core expertise of cutting-edge design capabilities, continuous innovation and premier customer-focused services. Headquartered in Taiwan, MStar has a comprehensive global footprint covering over 15 international R&D and customer support centers to provide a full range of total solutions for various consumer electronic applications. MStar went public in 2010 and is listed on Taiwan Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.mstarsemi.com or contact Investor Relations at +886 3 552 6006 Ext. 5888 or investorrelations@mstarsemi.com

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that is at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM’s comprehensive product offering includes 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, video engines, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company’s broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies.