SMIC ARM926EJ Processor Chip Successfully Validated

-- Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC; NYSE: SMI , HKSE: 981) announced today that its 0.13-micron chip using the ARM926EJTM microprocessor core and the associated Embedded Trace Macrocell TM (ETM9TM) on-chip debug peripheral have been successfully verified through ARMs stringent qualification process. This achievement reflects the growing collaboration between SMIC and ARM (LSE:ARM; Nasdaq:ARMHY), enabling SMIC to deliver more advanced and comprehensive chip manufacturing solutions to its customers.

The ARM926EJ core features a Jazelle technology-enhanced 32-bit RISC CPU with an instruction set that includes 16-bit fixed point DSP instructions to support ARM Thumb technology and Java bytecode execution. Working to enhance the performance of signal processing, the ARM926EJ core can be integrated in the circuit designs of chips used in communication and multimedia applications such as next-generation smart phones, PDAs, 3G baseband and application processors, digital still cameras, audio and video decoders, and automotive infotainment.

As a proven and long-standing IP partner of SMIC, ARM provides vital design support and tools that facilitate SMICs ability to offer advanced design and manufacturing solutions," said Paul Ouyang, Vice President of Design Services at SMIC. "The ARM926EJ processor delivers high-performance with low-power consumption. By using SMICs 0.13-micron process technology to qualify the ARM926EJ processor, SMIC is actively working to meet the demand for consumer applications in 0.13um technology. Looking ahead, we are eager to continue collaborating with ARM and to providing more design support to our customers worldwide."

Jun Tan, President of ARM China said, ARMs partnership with SMIC, one of the most advanced foundries in the world, will strengthen the design and manufacturing support for our customers. ARM is dedicated to supporting companies in China in product design and development through the ARM Connected Community, which provides value-added services and reduces time-to-market for our partners.

SMIC and ARM began working together on the ARM926EJ processor in 2004. The successful qualification of the ARM926EJ processor on SMICs 0.13 micron process will enable those fabless companies who have licensed the ARM926EJ Design Kit through the Foundry Program to tape out in SMIC with a silicon-proven Manufacturing Kit. SMIC has also qualified its 0.18-micron macrocells using ARMs ARM7, ARM922T, and ETM9 cores . SMIC and ARM will continue leveraging both companies strengths to help customers accelerate their time-to-market and enhance their competitive edge.

About SMIC
SMIC (NYSE: SMI, SEHK: 0981.HK) is one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world, providing integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing at 0.35-micron to 0.11-micron and finer line technologies to customers worldwide. Established in 2000, SMIC has four 8-inch wafer fabrication facilities in volume production in Shanghai and Tianjin. In the first quarter of 2005, SMIC commenced commercial production at its 12-inch wafer fabrication facility in Beijing. SMIC also maintains customer service and marketing offices in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, and a representative office in Hong Kong. As part of its dedication towards providing high-quality services, SMIC strives to comply with or exceed international standards and has achieved ISO9001, ISO/TS16949, OHSAS18001, TL9000, and ISO14001 certifications. For additional information, please visit http://www.smics.com/.

About ARM
ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARMs comprehensive product offering includes 16/32-bit RISC microprocessors, data engines, 3D processors, digital libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software and development tools, as well as analog functions and high-speed connectivity products. Combined with the companys broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies.