Virage Logic licenses embedded memory to MIPS Technologies for use in 32-Bit hard cores

Virage Logic licenses embedded memory to MIPS Technologies for use in 32-Bit hard cores

MIPS Technologies Also Joins Virage Logic's Partner Program

FREMONT and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., November 1, 2001 - Virage Logic Corp. (Nasdaq: VIRL), a global leader in embedded memory intellectual property (IP), and MIPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIPS, MIPSSB), a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and networking applications, today announced that the MIPS32[tm] 4Kc[tm] and 4Km[tm] hard cores will use Virage Logic's Custom-TouchTM Area, Speed and Power (ASAP) SRAM embedded memories. In addition, MIPS Technologies joined Virage Logic's Memory Alliance Program to help proliferate the market for embedded memories.

MIPS32 4K[tm] cores, which are used in ASICs and system-on-chip (SoC) designs that target a broad range of low-power, high-performance embedded applications, must be optimized for die area and, therefore, require the densest memory structures. The high-density (HD) version of Virage Logic's ASAP-HD SRAM embedded memories use less area and meet the speed requirements for MIPS32-based[tm] cores, while consuming the lowest level of power. The initial 0.18-micron embedded memory instances used by MIPS Technologies are single-port ASAP HD SRAMs in configurations of 16Kb, 32Kb, 64Kb, and 128Kb. These embedded memories are also available from Virage Logic to licensees of MIPS® soft cores as well as the MIPS32 and MIPS64[tm] architectures.

"The MIPS family of synthesizable cores, available in either soft or hard formats, require high-performance SRAMs for the embedded caches, and the memories available from Virage Logic are an ideal match for our requirements," said John Bourgoin, chairman and CEO of MIPS Technologies. "Virage Logic is a leading provider of embedded memories and knows what it takes to deliver silicon-tested IP that enables us and our customers to bring a cost-effective solution to market faster."

"Outsourcing memory IP has become very attractive to many manufacturers, largely because of the significance that memory plays in computer, consumer and communication systems and the need to deploy products into the market very quickly," said Adam Kablanian, president and CEO at Virage Logic. "With the successful incorporation of Virage Logic's embedded memory IP in the MIPS32 4Kc and 4Km hard cores, MIPS Technologies has provided SoC customers a proven path to silicon."

Availability
MIPS Technologies' customers may access Virage Logic's broad portfolio of embedded memories, including the ASAP High Speed (HS), Self Testable and Repairable (STAR), and NetCAM (Content Addressable) memories, by downloading from Virage Logic's Website front-end models of the memories identified for use with MIPS-based cores. These front-end models are available at no cost and allow customers to evaluate them for use in their designs.

Memory Alliance Program
MIPS Technologies also joined Virage Logic's Memory Alliance Program as an IP supplier. The charter of the program is to foster the continued expansion and use of embedded memory in SoC designs. Consisting of foundries, IP suppliers, EDA vendors, design service providers and test vendors, the program is proactive and brings together all the enabling technology players to ensure that memory will be a driver, rather than a bottleneck, for data-intensive applications.

Virage Logic's ASAP Embedded Memories
The ASAP HD memories are part of the ASAP family that consists of two other sub-families of embedded memory compilers: high speed (HS) and low voltage (HD-LV). ASAP HD memories are optimized for area and provide the best utilization of available silicon real estate. The ASAP HS embedded memory is the industry's first commercially available embedded memory with speeds surpassing 600 MHz. The ASAP HD-LV embedded memory compilers deliver cores that are important for portable applications that must run on lower voltages, such as hearing aids and remote modems.

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.

About Virage Logic
Virage Logic (Nasdaq: VIRL) is a global technology and market leader in embedded memory IP. To meet customer design goals with the highest level of quality, Virage Logic products are production tested, and optimized for area, power and speed. These products include embedded memory cores, which are critical components of communications, consumer and computer products including switches, routers, modems, cellular phones, set-top boxes, HDTVs, DVD players and PCs. In addition, the company offers software tools and custom memory design services. The company's customers include ASIC/custom SOC designers, fabless semiconductor companies targeting pure-play foundries, and semiconductor companies. Founded in January 1996, the company has over 180 employees and is located at 46501 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, Calif., 94538. Telephone: (877) 360-6690 (toll free) or (510) 360-8000. Fax: (510) 360-8099. For more information, please visit www.viragelogic.com.

MIPS® is a registered trademark, and MIPS64[tm], MIPS32[tm], 4Kc[tm] and MIPS-based[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.www.mips.com.