SMIT Licenses ARM7TDMI Processor For Interoperable Conditional Access Module Cards

Interoperable CAM card offers consumers greater HDTV and set top box choice

SHENZHEN, CHINA AND CAMBRIGE, UK – Feb. 22, 2005 – Shenzhen State Micro Technology Co., Ltd. (SMIT), a leading Chinese Conditional Access Module (CAM) card developer, and ARM [(LSE:ARM); (Nasdaq:ARMHY)], today announced SMIT has licensed the popular ARM7TDMI® processor. Through the ARM®  Foundry Program, SMIT will develop hardware agnostic ARM Powered® CAM (Conditional Access Module) cards, giving consumers greater choice of HDTV and digital set-top box products.

Traditionally, HDTV and digital set-top boxes have required a device specific CAM card. SMIT has developed an interoperable PCMCIA CAM card and DVB-C cable digital TV chip, enabling hardware vendors to concentrate on device functionality and performance, and operators to focus on market expansion and service delivery.

“ARM delivers the world’s most popular processor architecture for embedded system design,” said Mr. Chang-hua Zhu, executive vice president of SMIT. “As the major developer of CAM cards in China, we believe the popular ARM7TDMI processor will provide us with a strong competitive advantage for delivering our new CAM solutions targeting HDTVs and set-top boxes.”

“The ARM7TDMI processor is the ideal choice for engineers developing solutions for the consumer electronics market that require low power and high performance at a low cost,” said Dr. Jun Tan, president of ARM China. “In addition to the value gained from licensing the technology, SMIT will also benefit from the ARM Connected Community, which will enable them to significantly reduce their time-to-market.”

The first SMIT product based on the ARM7TDMI processor will be available in the first quarter of 2006.

About SMIT

Shenzhen State Micro Technology Co., Ltd (SMIT) is a high-tech company that focuses on digital TV area. As a primary member of China Detached STB and Card Standardization Organization, SMIT develops, manufactures and sells products such as CAM cards, of which the company holds independent Intellectual Properties. With supports from Ministry of Information Industry and other industrial supervising divisions, SMIT is the only local provider of PCMCIA CAM cards in China market. SMIT’s PCMCIA CAM cards have been authorized by DTVIA, Irdeto, Novel-Tongfang and Compunicate. SMIT is working closely with many famous international and local chip developers and consumer electronics manufactories to extend its product line of CAM cards, value-added extension cards and integrated technical solutions. The company’s purpose is to meet the demand of enjoying the high quality digital TV programs raised by millions of Chinese customers and the increasing global cable, satellite and antenna digital TV markets. More information on SMIT is available at http://www.smit.com.cn.

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. ARM’s 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 company’s broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.

ENDS

ARM, ARM Powered and ARM7TDMI are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. “ARM” is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation Inc.; AXYS GmbH; ARM Embedded Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Physical IP, Inc.