Virage Logic is first to deliver embedded memory on TSMC 0.13 micron process

VIRAGE LOGIC IS FIRST TO DELIVER EMBEDDED MEMORY ON TSMC 0.13 MICRON PROCESS

Embedded memory achieves high performance on TSMC 0.13 micron process

FREMONT, Calif. - February 5, 2001 - Virage Logic Corp. (NASDAQ: VIRL), a leader in embedded memory, today announced the immediate availability of its Custom-TouchTM Area, Speed and Power (ASAP) and Self-Test and Repair (STAR) compilers in TSMC's (NYSE: TSM) 0.13 micron standard logic process. The availability of the compilers enables Virage Logic to continue leading the way in meeting the demands of chip designers who embed large amounts of SRAM and ROM.

Virage Logic shipped instances of the technology to TSMC early-partner customers in October 2000, resulting in several test chips. One partner, Silicon Access Networks, Inc., uses TSMC's 0.13 micron process and Virage Logic's compliers to develop a complete data-path chipset solution for OC192c/10G Ethernet and above for next-generation Internet infrastructure. "The type of performance and density that Virage Logic's memories offer represents a significant milestone that paves the way for high-performance, system-on-a-chip products for the router market. We are excited to be working with such technology leaders as TSMC and Virage Logic," said Perry Constantine, president and CEO, Silicon Access Networks.

In order to achieve the highest level of system reliability and to keep power consumption in the idle state as low as possible to extend battery life, Virage Logic has made several architectural improvements to minimize gate leakage current and to keep idle power consumption under check. For instance, Virage Logic has designed more robust memories with detailed layout guidelines, and has included proprietary technology that minimizes the possibility of data corruption through the addition of sense amplifiers that operate at the lower voltages typical of a 0.13 micron process.

"Being a strategic partner with TSMC has allowed us to be the first supplier to offer a comprehensive memory product line in the TSMC 0.13 micron process," said Krishna Balachandran, director of product marketing for Virage Logic. "TSMC customers can now access register files, area-optimized high-density SRAMs, ROMs and high-capacity STAR memories with redundancy that can be used to increase the yield after manufacturing on the latest process offered by TSMC."

Leveraging TSMC's advanced 0.13 micron process architecture coupled with Virage Logic's memory and compiler technology, Virage Logic's embedded memories achieve the high performance that customers need to build their 0.13 micron designs. Because TSMC's 0.13 micron process provides a 72 percent shrink over TSMC's 0.18 micron technology, it enables more logic density per square millimeter for system-level integration, boosting performance.

"We are already seeing a lot of design starts in TSMC's 0.13 micron process because our customers want to be able to get the area, speed, and power advantages that this process offers," said Kurt Wolf, director of marketing for TSMC North America. "Through our partnership with Virage Logic, only TSMC customers now have access to a variety of different embedded memory types that will enable them to complete their designs targeted to TSMC's 0.13 micron process technology."

Virage Logic continues to build upon its quality initiative when it comes to embedded memories. The previous generation of compilers had test features built into the products to assure manufacturability and aid in design analysis. With the addition of a third test mode, the memories can now be stress-tested at 110 percent of the rated specification to ensure higher yields. Additionally, the company has introduced a write-per-bit feature that enables customers to write to a single bit of memory. This is important for communication and processor applications because it speeds up the execution of instructions.

The Custom-Touch ASAP and STAR compilers are available off the shelf with pricing starting at $165,000 and $500,000 (U.S. list prices), respectively. Within the ASAP compiler family, Virage Logic has the following compilers available in the TSMC 0.13 micron process: 1- and 2-port register files, 1-port high-density SRAM and dual port high-density SRAM and ROM.

About Virage Logic

Virage Logic is a technology and market leader in embedded memory. 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 fabless semiconductor companies targeting pure-play foundries and semiconductor companies. Founded in January 1996, the company has over 130 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.