Atmel 802.11b WLAN Solution Selected for Use in HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5400 Series

SAN JOSE, CA, November 18, 2002 . . . Atmel® Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML) announced today that the Atmel USB 802.11b design has been selected by HP to provide an integrated Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) solution for select models of the recently announced HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5400 series. The Atmel reference design, utilizing the RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: RFMD), radio front end, is the highest performing USB 802.11b module solution available today.

Previously, WLAN solutions for the iPAQ were achieved by use of an expansion pack and a separate WLAN PCMCIA or CF card. The compact size of the Atmel/RFMD module has enabled HP to provide an integrated WLAN solution into the base iPAQ unit, which frees up expansion pack slots or eliminates a need for an expansion pack in many cases.

The Atmel solution provides a high performance solution with exceptional throughput and low power consumption. The low power consumption is critical in battery-powered products. Atmel has achieved a solution that not only conserves power, but also does not sacrifice performance.

"Atmel is pleased to contribute the WLAN technology for integration into HP's leading-edge iPAQ Pocket PCs. Usage in this high profile product reinforces Atmel's position as a major solutions supplier, which can provide superior complete custom and standard solutions. We feel HP's direction is a strong step in continuing the momentum in the growing deployment 802.11b networks," said Nick Kanopoulos, Director of Atmel's Multimedia Communications Product Group.

By offering a complete WLAN design, Atmel enables customers to reduce costs, accelerate time-to- market and improve key performance metrics, such as receiver sensitivity, throughput and range versus leading competitive solutions. Atmel offers USB, Mini-PCI, PCMCIA, Compact Flash and Access Point reference designs developed to be a low-cost, complete solution to meet Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) specifications. Complete reference designs centered on the Atmel's Media Access Controller (MAC) include firmware, software, WHQL qualified drivers, Wi-Fi certification, and utilities for regulatory certifications and production.

"After considering many options, HP chose the Atmel solution because of their leadership position in 802.11b USB Media Access Controller and their ability to provide a very high-performing, cost- competitive design that met our stringent space requirements. Additionally, Atmel's hardware and software engineering team was well suited to take upon the challenge of designing a custom solution to meet our requirements," said Cindy Box, Director of Marketing, HP Smart Handhelds.

About Atmel Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose, California with manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. Atmel designs, manufactures and markets worldwide, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and RF semiconductors. Atmel is also a leading provider of system-level integration semiconductor solutions using CMOS, BiCMOS, SiGe, and high-voltage BCDMOS process technologies.

© Atmel Corporation 2002. All rights reserved. Atmel, the Atmel logo and combinations thereof are registered trademarks, and others contained herein are trademarks, of Atmel Corporation. Other terms and product names in this document may be the trademarks of others.

Information:
For further information on Atmel's Wireless LAN products, go to http://www.atmel.com/atmel/products/prod32.htm