Barcelona Selected by MediaQ to Provide Optimal Analog IP for UMC’s 0.13um process

Update: Barcelona has been bought by Synopsys

Newark, Calif., January 8, 2003 - Barcelona Design Inc., the leading provider of synthesizable full-custom analog circuits, today announced that MediaQ, developer of highly integrated semiconductors that redefine the end-user visual experience on handheld systems and smart phones, has licensed its Prado™ Synthesis Platform and Miro™ Class Clocking Engines for low power, high performance PLL circuits in UMC's 0.13um process. Barcelona also has announced an IP partnership with UMC to facilitate this and other analog IP solutions targeting UMC processes.

"We are extremely impressed with Barcelona's low power, high performance PLL solution," said Behrooz Yadegar, Senior Vice President of Engineering at MediaQ. "Barcelona enhances MediaQ's ability to create leading semiconductor products that allow end-users to experience multimedia applications, such as video capture and gaming, on smart handheld devices." Mr. Yadegar added that MediaQ's design cycle previously went through many time-intensive and costly iterations, which it expects to reduce significantly by using Barcelona's technology.

To streamline the development of its IP engines, Barcelona has established a Gold IP Partnership Agreement with UMC (NYSE:UMC), one of the world's premier foundries. The agreement forges a close relationship between the two companies, enabling Barcelona to rapidly develop IP targeted at UMC processes. "Barcelona's synthesizable analog IP solutions will provide our customers with the capability to rapidly design-in customizable, optimal analog IP into their products," said Tai Sheng Feng, Vice President, Design Support Division, UMC.

"Customers like MediaQ are discovering that Barcelona's technology is unique in the industry and that we are the only company providing truly synthesizable, high performance analog IP," said Peter Santos, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Barcelona. "We offer a level of flexibility and optimization never before experienced by users of analog IP. We are thrilled that an industry leader like MediaQ has selected our solution."

Engines targeted for UMC's processes will also be available to other Barcelona customers.

About MediaQ
MediaQ, Inc. develops highly integrated semiconductors and accompanying software that are focused on delivering the best visual experience on mobile handheld devices. Key customer segments are PDAs, Smart Phones and next-generation color-based cell phones. MediaQ's core technologies enhance multimedia capabilities, improve connectivity, and minimize chip and system-level power consumption. The company enhances its semiconductor product offerings with a comprehensive set of software, including drivers for the major operating systems and APIs that minimize OEM product development. Current customers include Casio, Hitachi, NEC, Panasonic, Siemens, and Sony. Founded in 1997, MediaQ is a privately held company headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For additional information about MediaQ, visit www.mediaq.com.

About UMC
UMC (NYSE: UMC, TSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry that manufactures advanced process ICs for applications spanning every major sector of the semiconductor industry. UMC delivers cutting-edge foundry technologies that enable sophisticated system-on-chip (SOC) designs, including 0.13um copper, embedded DRAM, and mixed signal/RFCMOS. In addition, UMC is a leader in 300mm manufacturing with three strategically located 300mm fabs that serve its global customer base: Fab 12A in Taiwan, the Singapore-based UMCi joint venture with Infineon Technologies (pilot production in mid-2003); and AU Pte. Ltd., a joint venture facility with AMD that is also located in Singapore (production in 2005). UMC employs over 8,500 people worldwide and has offices in Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Europe, and the United States. UMC can be found on the web at www.umc.com.

About Barcelona Design, Inc.
Barcelona Design is the leading supplier of synthesizable full-custom analog circuits, offering unique semiconductor intellectual property complemented by powerful design technology. Barcelona was founded in 1999 by CTO Dr. Mar Hershenson and Stanford University professor Dr. Stephen Boyd as a result of their research on the application of convex optimization mathematics to analog circuit design. The firm's analog circuit solution enables electronics companies to implement complex intellectual property (IP) instances radically faster than ever before. The company has proven its technology with working silicon, and has demonstrated market acceptance of its innovative approach by winning key customers. Barcelona has secured financing from leading venture capitalists including, Crosslink Capital, Sequoia Capital and Foundation Capital. The firm is headquartered in Newark, CA. For more information please visit www.barcelonadesign.com.