SEQUANS Collaborates With ARM To Integrate High-Performance Processors Into Next-Generation WiMAX Technology

This new license for a full range of ARM technologies will enable SEQUANS to launch its WiMAX solutions in 2005, while reducing the cost to the device manufacturers

PARIS, FRANCE AND CAMBRIDGE, UK –   Feb. 14, 2005 –  SEQUANS Communications, a WiMAX semiconductor company, and ARM [(LSE: ARM); (Nasdaq: ARMHY)], today announced at the 3GSM World Congress, Cannes, France, that SEQUANS is collaborating with ARM to integrate the ARM® ARM926EJ-S™ processor into its infrastructure and subscriber range of WiMAX chip sets. SEQUANS’ first ARM license, which includes a full range of ARM processor technologies, will enable it to launch its WiMAX solutions in 2005, while reducing the cost to the device manufacturers.

The ARM926EJ-S processor offers small code size through use of Thumb® technology and high performance through advanced microarchitecture.  Small code size leads directly to smaller caches and Tightly Coupled Memories (TCMs) which results in smaller die size and a reduced bill of materials during the fabrication process. This cost saving can be passed on to WiMAX original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and in turn, help lower the price for WiMAX subscribers.

In addition to the ARM926EJ-S processor, SEQUANS have also licensed the AMBA™ Design Kit (ADK™) solution and the VFP9-S™ vector floating-point coprocessor. The ADK toolkit enables decrease design time and the VFP9-S coprocessor maintains the clock speed of the ARM926EJ-S processor during heavy data packet throughput. This ARM technology will be integrated into the design cycle of both SEQUANS’ primary product groups: The WiNetPRO-BS; the baseband system-on-chip (SoC) solution for WiMAX base stations and the WiNetPRO-SS; the baseband SoC solution for WiMAX subscriber stations.

“With the WiMAX market already shaping up to be fiercely competitive we are keen to streamline our route to market and our offering as much as possible. The low power consumption and die size made the decision to go with ARM easy,” said Georges Karam, chief executive officer, SEQUANS Communications. “Working with ARM, we are confident that both our subscriber and infrastructure solutions will get to market to hit the massive WiMAX surge in 2006.”

“With more than 80 per cent market share of the mobile sector, ARM have the expertise in signal processing and power efficiency to drive the design expectations in the WiMAX market,” said Oliver Gunasekara, global director of Wireless, ARM. “What the WiFi and WiMAX industry is learning is that its strongest play is price. We have been enabling the mobile industry to drive down costs for years and will be focusing our expertise on the 802.16 market to streamline the design cycle. Consumers will subscribe because the technology is inexpensive and service providers can up-sell services to increase profit – everyone wins.”

To find out more, visit the ARM stand number K13, Hall 4, at the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes, February 14-17 2005.

About Sequans
SEQUANS Communications is a fabless semiconductor company created by a team of seasoned experts to become the leading supplier of silicon and software for Broadband Wireless Access. By providing integrated PHY and MAC solutions that seamlessly fit into system vendors' designs, SEQUANS greatly lowers cost of ownership of base stations and subscriber stations. SEQUANS delivers a standards-based solution, compliant with the requirements of the WiMAX Forum™. It also incorporates additional features for increased coverage and mobility, thus lowering deployment costs and enabling fixed, nomadic/portable and mobile applications. For more information about SEQUANS Communications, please visit www.sequans.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. 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 and Thumb are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. ARM926EJ-S, AMBA, ADK, ETM9 and VFP9-S are 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.