AMI Semiconductor to License ARM7 and ARM9 Microprocessor Cores, Provide Foundry Services

LAS VEGAS - June 18, 2001 - AMI Semiconductor (AMIS), the industry's leading FPGA-to-ASIC conversion provider, announced today at the 38th Annual Design Automation Conference it has entered into a licensing agreement with ARM, the leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded reduced instruction set computer (RISC) microprocessor solutions. In addition, AMIS and ARM signed a foundry agreement, making AMIS only the third company in the world authorized to provide foundry services to ARM customers.

"By combining AMI Semiconductor's innovative intellectual property, experience and customer-service commitment with ARM's leading-edge technology, we significantly expand our design, manufacturing and service capabilities," said Glenn Fraser, AMIS vice president of Marketing and Business Development. "With this partnership, AMIS joins an unrivalled global network of companies offering ARM technology, an essential building block for embedded applications."

AMIS licensed the ARM7TDMI® and ARM922T? microprocessor cores for use in a wide range of embedded applications including wireless communications infrastructure, computer OEM, aerospace, medical, automotive and industrial automation solutions. The new agreements also expand AMI Semiconductor's ability to integrate analog functions in mixed-signal environments and to provide high-voltage capabilities for system-on-chip applications.

The ARM7 core employs a unique architecture implementation known as THUMB that makes it ideal for high volume applications with memory restrictions or applications where code density is an issue. The ARM7 core will be available in the AMIS 0.35-micron CMOS process and a third-party 0.25- and 0.18-micron process.

The ARM922T technology will be used for high-density FPGA conversions as well as digital and mixed-signal ASIC applications, such as networking, imaging, audio/video encoding and decoding as well as PDA appliances and automotive control solutions.

The ARM9 combines the ARM9TDMI CPU core with 8K data cache, 8K instruction cache, data memory management unit, a write buffer, an AMBA? bus interface and an embedded trace macrocell interface. The ARM922T core targets applications that require an optimal mix of performance and power. It is backward compatible with the ARM7 THUMB family, giving designers software-compatible processors with a wide range of price and performance points.

Additionally, as a foundry licensee of ARM intellectual property, AMI Semiconductor can provide ARM7 users the ability to control the total design and layout process by using AMIS process technology. AMIS joins Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) as ARM's only authorized foundry partners. AMIS is currently licensed for 0.35-micron process, with a potential for smaller geometries in the future.

Vital statistics on each of the cores and their process technology are listed below:
 

AVAILABILITY

The 0.25- and 0.35-micron versions of ARM7 will be verified, validated and available for AMIS ASIC and foundry customers in the third quarter (2001). ARM7 0.18-micron technology will be available during the first quarter of 2002. ARM922T will be available in the 0.18-micron process in the first quarter of 2002. For licensing and NRE costs associated with ARM products, contact your local AMIS sales representative. Sales offices are listed on the web at www.amis.com/sales.

About ARM

ARM is the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions. The company licenses its high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals and system-on-chip designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming the volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications, hand-held computing, multimedia digital consumer and embedded solutions. More information on ARM is available at www.arm.com.

ABOUT AMI SEMICONDUCTOR

AMI Semiconductor designs, manufactures, markets and sells application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Experts in digital and mixed-signal technologies, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the best total integrated circuit solution. The company provides a broad range of industry-leading FPGA-to-ASIC and ASIC-to-ASIC conversion services and CMOS foundry services - all with unprecedented manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service. AMI Semiconductor is based in Pocatello, Idaho, and maintains a strong global presence through design and sales operations in North America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region.

ARM7TDMI is a registered trademark and ARM922T and AMBA are trademarks of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective owners.