MIPS Technologies Licenses 64-Bit Processor Core to Wintegra

MIPS64(TM) 5Kc(TM) Core Implemented in "Most Integrated Access Packet Processor" Targeted for Data and Voice Connectivity in Next-Generation Communications Infrastructure

AUSTIN, Texas & MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2001-- MIPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIPS - news, MIPSB - news), a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores, today announced that it licensed the 64-bit MIPS64(TM) 5Kc(TM) core to Wintegra, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company that is enabling the next generation of access networks for use in the industry's first access packet processor, WinPath(TM), which was unveiled today in a separate Wintegra announcement.

WinPath offers a single chip, cost-efficient solution for converging voice and data in access networking equipment such as base stations, media gateways, access multiplexors, service switches and access routers. The technology combines the best aspects of a communications processor and a network processor into a single, highly integrated, programmable chip that allows carriers to migrate from existing asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells to Internet protocol (IP) packets without jeopardizing their current revenue base, investments or technologies.

"WinPath is a highly integrated chip set based on the MIPS architecture targeted for the communications infrastructure," said analyst Will Straus of Forward Concepts. "Wintegra's high-impact strike into the mid-range communications equipment sector provides excellent coverage between the MIPS-based high-end carrier/enterprise equipment processor chip sets and consumer communications devices."

"WinPath offers a whole new approach to protocol handling, and the MIPS64 5Kc core's scalability, speed and power efficiency allow us to deliver the performance and flexibility our customers need," said Kobi Ben-Zvi, president and CEO of Wintegra. Ben-Zvi, formerly in charge of PowerPC development at Motorola, chose the MIPS core because it has the advantage of being synthesizable. "A MIPS synthesizable core gives us the flexibility to optimize performance, power consumption and die size to suit our needs. Furthermore, it is foundry-independent, so we were able to choose our fab manufacturing partner, which gives us more control over manufacturing costs and quality."

"The momentum for our 5K core is building, as this is the ninth announced license this year. This agreement represents yet another important endorsement of the need for 64-bit technology in the communications infrastructure marketplace," said Derek Meyer, vice president of worldwide field operations at MIPS Technologies. "Furthermore, flexibility and control are the hallmarks of our business model, which benefits our customers by providing them better ability to differentiate and to better control over their costs."

About MIPS Technologies 64-Bit Architecture

MIPS Technologies began developing its 64-bit processor architecture more than 10 years ago. Today, it is the only company that licenses 64-bit architecture, as well as 64-bit synthesizable microprocessor cores. More than a dozen leading companies, including NEC, Toshiba, Philips and LSI Logic have developed MIPS-based 64-bit products for use in a variety of consumer and networking applications, including the microprocessor for the Nintendo® 64 and the award-winning 128-bit Emotion Engine for the Sony PlayStation® 2. The growth in 64-bit processing, which enables 64-bit data movement and, thus, greater bandwidth, is fueled by demand for features such as streaming media, cryptography enhancements for e-commerce, increasingly higher clock speeds in handheld devices, and the convergence of computing, communications, multimedia and encryption in new types of information appliances.

About Wintegra, Inc.

Founded in January 2000, Wintegra, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company that enables communications infrastructure equipment providers to migrate their product lines toward the next generation of access networks with a family of single chip solutions. The company's founders include experienced world-class engineering management, with a mission to be the No. 1 provider of protocol-handling components in the access infrastructure. Its WinPath(TM) access packet processor family offers best in class aspects of ASICs, network processors, communications processors, and standard peripherals, creating a new approach to protocol handling. The company has customers in all tiers, and expects to ramp revenue in the second quarter of 2002. For more information, go to www.wintegra.com.

About MIPS Technologies

MIPS Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and network applications. The company drives the broadest architectural alliance that is delivering 32- and 64-bit embedded RISC solutions. The company licenses its intellectual property to semiconductor companies, ASIC developers and system OEMs. MIPS Technologies and its licensees offer the widest range of robust, scalable processors in standard, custom, semi-custom and application-specific products. The company is based in Mountain View, Calif., and can be reached at 650/567-5000 or www.mips.com.

Note to Editors: MIPS® is a registered trademark and MIPS64(TM), 5K(TM) and 5Kc(TM) are trademarks of MIPS Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:
     MIPS Technologies, Inc.
     Lee Garvin Flanagin, 650/567-5180
     flanagin@mips.com
        or
     Wintegra, Inc.
     Karen S. Johnson, 512/632-9636
     karen.johnson@wintegra.com