Artisan Components Announces National Semiconductor Standardizes On IP Libraries To Support Long-Term Outsourcing Strategy

Multi-Technology, Multi-Process Solution Designed To Accelerate SoC Development And Gain Greater Manufacturing Flexibility

Sunnyvale, Calif., - May 1, 2001 - Artisan Components Inc., (Nasdaq: ARTI), a leading provider of physical intellectual property (IP) and National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM), the world leader in integrated solutions for information appliances, today announced a multi-technology, multi-process library license agreement to support National's long-term outsourcing strategy. Selecting Artisan's IP products gives National a common library platform for SoC development and allows for easy migration to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC) processes. Under the terms of the agreement, Artisan will provide National a complete set of memory generators, 1- and 2-port register files, ROMs, SAGE-X Standard Cell Libraries and I/O libraries optimized for TSMC's 0.25-, 0.18-, 0.15- and 0.13-micron process technologies. National also gains access to Artisan's large partner network of design service, EDA and IP providers.

The comprehensive agreement signals National's long-term strategy to implement an outsourcing solution that accelerates design development and gains manufacturing flexibility. The solution also affords National an effective way of minimizing R&D expenses while maximizing silicon development efficiencies.

"Selecting a technology partner who provides quality, leading-edge products is at the core of National's strategy to achieve the highest productivity and time-to-market advantage," said Mohan Yegnashankaran, vice president of product development, of National Semiconductor. "Artisan's libraries are the de facto industry standard and their silicon track record makes us confident we have selected the right partner."

"This agreement is an industry milestone as it signals the first major integrated device manufacturer to commit to a far-reaching and comprehensive outsourcing plan," said Mark Templeton, president and CEO of Artisan Components. "Artisan is proud to be selected by National to provide a seamless technology and process migration. We look forward to being an integral partner contributing to National's long-term success."

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the impact and significance of the agreement between Artisan and National and the use of Artisan products by National. Actual results may differ materially and Artisan disclaims any obligation to update or correct this information. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the parties' ability to carry out the agreement; the adoption by internal National design teams and external design teams of Artisan products; National's achievement of successful production volumes of integrated circuits using Artisan products; demand for semiconductors generally and end user products that incorporate semiconductors, and general economic conditions. We refer you to the documents that Artisan files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in particular its annual report on form 10-K and its quarterly report on form 10-Q.

About Artisan Components

Artisan Components, Inc., (Nasdaq: ARTI) is a world leader in intellectual property (IP) components, providing high-quality solutions for many of the world's leading semiconductor foundries, integrated device manufacturers, ASIC vendors and IC design teams. Artisan's Process-Perfect^TM memory generators, standard cell and I/O libraries are optimized to achieve the full-speed, density and low-power potential of each semiconductor process. Each product is verified using the industry's most comprehensive QA and validation procedures and delivered ready to use with a complete set of views and models supporting leading design tools. Artisan's headquarters are located at 1195 Bordeaux Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1201. World Wide Web address: http://www.artisan.com.

Artisan Components is a registered trademark and Process-Perfect and SAGE are trademarks of Artisan Components, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.