MIPS Technologies Offers Silicon-Proven Hi-Fi Quality Audio IP in Deep Submicron Processes

Update: MIPS Technologies Acquires Chipidea (August 27, 2007)

LISBON, Portugal -- March 12, 2008 -- MIPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIPS), a leading provider of industry-standard architectures, processors and analog IP for digital consumer, home networking, wireless, communications and business applications, today announced that its 96dB Audio IP Codec -- already silicon-proven in multiple deep submicron processes and foundries -- has been silicon-proven in TSMC 90nm and Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing 130nm processes. This is the world's first true above-96dB Hi-Fi quality, ultra low-power and compact-area audio IP to be silicon-proven in deep submicron processes. System-on-Chip (SoC) developers can leverage the IP to dramatically reduce risk, cost and time-to-market for next-generation consumer electronic devices with audio functionality, including CDs, mini-disks, multi-format and DVD players and recorders; PMPs; PDAs; GPS handheld devices; and cellular and smart phones.

The new generation of Chipidea Hi-Fi Audio IP represents a landmark in MIPS Technologies' analog audio IP development, setting several performance records, including 7.5mW power consumption at 96dB/48kHz playback, 11mW power consumption at 96dB/48kHz record, 1.5sqmm silicon area for a complete stereo codec, and 104dB dynamic range for applications such as high-end portable audio.

"Our audio IP has achieved first-pass silicon success in several deep submicron processes, demonstrating its maturity and associated low risk," said Joao Risques, audio product line manager of Audio and Power Solutions, Analog Business Group, MIPS Technologies. "We help customers achieve 'first time right' differentiated designs to respond to increasingly short product life cycles and the demand for continuous innovation, while remaining competitive in critical areas such as power consumption and true Hi-Fi audio quality. Additionally, we provide the integration support customers need to mitigate their design risk and get to market on time."

Consumers demand Hi-Fi quality, multi-function, feature-rich audio products in a small form factor and at a low price. This presents a challenge to IC designers and audio device manufacturers in finding high-performance, ultra low-power audio analog content at low risk. Until now, this functionality has only been available on standalone chips at high price points, or on discrete, non-optimized analog IP components that pose integration difficulties along with increased risk, time-to-market and cost. To remain competitive, SoC and System-in-Package (SiP) designers must focus on developing the digital features critical to differentiating their chips. They need proven audio analog functions that match or exceed currently-available best-in-class ICs, and are easy to integrate onto their SoC or SiP.

MIPS Technologies' audio codecs offer the widest available range of functions for embeddable audio, including 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion. The CI7823tm Hi-Fi Audio Codec was recently proven on TSMC's 90nm process and the CI7830cl Hi-Fi Audio Codec was proven on Chartered's 130nm process. The CI7824sm Hi-Fi Audio Codec is currently under characterization in Fujitsu's 90nm process, and is achieving a similar level of performance.

Chipidea Audio Solutions are the most complete family of portable, easy-to-integrate audio IP cores on the market. The cores are available at major foundries across multiple process technologies, including mainstream 65nm processes at TSMC and UMC.

Analog Business Group -- Chipidea

Chipidea is the world leader in analog/mixed-signal intellectual property targeting fast-growing market segments, including wireless communications, digital media, consumer electronics, power management, data conversion and connectivity. Chipidea was acquired by MIPS Technologies in August 2007, and today serves as the company's Analog Business Group. Chipidea offers the broadest array of state-of-the-art RF, analog and mixed-signal technologies worldwide with a library of proven IP in today's leading processes across a wide array of foundries. The company's advanced and extensive analog and mixed-signal IP portfolio enables next-generation SoC designers to integrate silicon-proven functionality previously available only to large integrated device manufacturers. Founded in 1997, Chipidea licenses its technology to leading semiconductor companies across all major markets, offering high-precision, single-function blocks to complete analog sub-systems. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, Chipidea can be reached at (+351) 210336300. For more information, visit http://www.chipidea.com.

About MIPS Technologies, Inc.

MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NasdaqGS: MIPS) is the world's second largest semiconductor design IP company and the number one analog IP company worldwide. With more than 250 customers around the globe, MIPS Technologies powers some of the world's most popular products for the digital consumer, broadband, wireless, networking and portable media markets -- including broadband devices from Linksys, DTVs and entertainment systems from Sony, DVD recordable devices from Pioneer, digital set-top boxes from Motorola, network routers from Cisco, 32-bit microcontrollers from Microchip Technology and laser printers from Hewlett-Packard. Today, the company owns more than 400 patent properties (patents and applications) worldwide. Founded in 1998, MIPS Technologies is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices worldwide. For more information, contact (650) 567-5000 or visit http://www.mips.com.