Mentor Graphics Delivers Communications Standards-based IP Cores for Use with Altera Excalibur ARM-Based Family

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 24, 2001 - Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq: MENT) and Altera Corporation (Nasdaq:ALTR) today announced that its mutual customers now have access to a selection of Inventra[tm] intellectual property (IP) cores optimized for use with Altera's Excalibur[tm] ARM®-based embedded processor solutions. Mentor Graphics®, as a member of the Altera Megafunction Partnership Program (AMPP), has been developing IP solutions, such as the new Inventra IPX[tm] product, that are pre-optimized for easy integration into Altera programmable logic devices (PLDs). Mentor has extended its support to the new Altera Excalibur ARM-based family of devices, enabling the rapid development of system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) applications.

The Altera Excalibur ARM-based embedded processor solutions are the first general-purpose devices that combine programmable logic and a high-performance ARM9T[tm] processor core. Mentor Graphics Inventra IP cores are standards-optimized to integrate easily into SOPC designs with embedded microprocessors, such as the ARM-based devices. The Inventra cores used by Altera's customers are ideal for next-generation networking, mobile communication, computer and consumer products such as residential gateways, mass storage, game consoles, and navigation system applications. The first cores to be made available from Inventra with wrappers for the ARM bus architecture include:

• MUSBFSFC - USB 1. 1 Full Speed Function Controller
• MCAN2.0 - CAN 2.0 Network Controller
• MI2CV2 - I2C V2.0 Bus Interface
• M16550S - Enhanced UART with FIFO and Synchronous CPU Interface

Additional communication IP cores from Inventra will be announced to further support and enhance the standards-based IP for Excalibur ARM-based embedded processor solutions.

"Our customers now have access to an optimized selection of communications IP from our various AMPPSM partners for widespread use in our Excalibur ARM-based embedded processor solutions," said Craig Lytle, vice president of the IP business unit at Altera. "Mentor continues to offer a broad selection of high-quality and high-performance IP cores specifically optimized for use in our Excalibur ARM-based family of devices."

"Mentor Graphics is delivering on a strategy to provide a complete EDA tool, embedded software and IP portfolio to support designs based on the Excalibur embedded processor solutions," said Dr. Susheel Chandra, general manager, Inventra Intellectual Property division, Mentor Graphics. "The Inventra IP division is committed to providing the standards-based IP required to support the high levels of performance and quality expected by Altera customers."

Availability
For datasheets and other product information related to Inventra IP cores pre-optimized for use with Excalibur ARM-based embedded processor solutions and other Altera programmable logic devices, please visit Mentor Graphics Inventra web site at http://www.mentor.com/inventra.

For a complete list of IP cores pre-optimized for use with Excalibur ARM-based devices and details on all available cores or to obtain free evaluations please visit Altera's website at http://www.altera.com/ipmegastore.

Altera Megafunction Partnership Program (AMPP) Program
The Altera Megafunction Partners Program, established in August 1995, was created to bring the advantages of design reuse to users of Altera PLDs. AMPP is an alliance between Altera and developers of IP cores that encourages megafunction development. Altera provides technical information and training to the AMPP partners, who create and support IP cores targeted for Altera programmable logic devices. Currently, there are over 30 AMPP partners who offer more than 100 megafunctions. Customers may request a free evaluation of any of these cores through Altera's megafunction listings at http://www.altera.com/ipmegastore.

About Altera Corporation
Altera Corporation, The Programmable Solutions Company®, was founded in 1983 and is a leading supplier of programmable logic devices (PLDs). Altera's CMOS-based PLDs are user-programmable semiconductor chips that enhance flexibility and reduce time-to-market for companies in the communications, computer peripheral, and industrial markets. By using high performance devices, software development tools, and sophisticated intellectual property cores, system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) solutions can be created with embedded processors, memory, and other complex logic together on a single PLD. Altera common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol ALTR. More information on Altera is available on the Internet at: http://www.altera.com.

About Mentor Graphics Corporation
Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq: MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months
of more than $600 million and employs approximately 2,975 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777; Silicon Valley headquarters are located at 1001 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, California 95131-2314. World Wide Web site: www.mentor.com.

Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, the stylized Altera logo, specific device designations and all other words that are identified as trademarks and/or service marks are, unless noted otherwise, the trademarks and service marks of Altera Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. ARM9T is a trademark of ARM Limited.

Mentor Graphics is a registered trademark of Mentor Graphics Corp. Inventra is a trademark of Mentor Graphics Corp. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.