Crest Audio Selects Actel's ProASICPLUS FPGAs for Advanced Multichannel Digital Amplifier Products

Actel FPGAs Used for High-Speed Digital Signal Processing and Amplifier Protection and Control for Installed Sound Applications

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., January 7, 2004 - Actel Corporation (Nasdaq: ACTL) today announced that Crest Audio, a manufacturer of professional audio systems, has selected Actel's APA075 ProASIC^PLUS FPGA devices for its new line of advanced multichannel digital amplifier products. The new CM2204 and CM2208 amplifier products offer a low cost, powerful multichannel amplification solution for installed sound applications ranging from small nightclubs to large stadium environments. The CM Series uses the Actel FPGAs for high-speed digital signal processing as well as amplifier protection and control.

"We chose the ProASIC^PLUS devices for our line of advanced multichannel digital amplifiers because Actel's flash-based FPGAs offer design security, low cost and an easy-to-use integrated development environment," said Tommy O'Brien, designer of the CM amplifier series at Crest Audio. "In our initial prototypes, we used SRAM FPGAs which presented the problem of programming the parts without the assistance of a local microcontroller, requiring connection to a nearby PC or the use of a PROM. Using a flash-based device means we can program the board and take it anywhere. Actel also offers the parts pre-programmed, which saves a manufacturing step."

Established in 1975, Crest Audio builds and markets power amplifiers and a complete line of live performance mixing consoles for the pro audio, touring and fixed installation markets. Crest continues to be the first choice of tour and installation companies worldwide. Customers range from nightclubs, churches, theaters and casinos, up to large-scale installations, such as Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina; The Superdome in New Orleans; and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"The inherent benefits in our flash-based products, including in-system programmability, live at power-up capabilities and low power consumption, have played a major role in the industry's quick adoption of our ProASIC^PLUS devices," said Barry Marsh, vice president of product marketing at Actel. "In fact, since its introduction less than two years ago, the ProASIC^PLUS family has become Actel's fastest growing product line. Crest Audio's selection of our ProASIC^PLUS devices validates the suitability of flash-based FPGA technology for a variety of professional and consumer multimedia applications, among others."

About Actel's ProASIC^PLUS Family

Actel's nonvolatile single-chip ProASIC^PLUS devices range in density from 75,000 to 1-million system gates. These live at power-up, low power, flash-based solutions offer the industry's largest density for flash-based FPGAs, making the devices suitable for application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) alternative applications in the avionics, consumer, industrial control, networking and communications markets.

About Actel

Actel Corporation is a supplier of innovative programmable logic solutions, including field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) based on antifuse and flash technologies, high-performance intellectual property (IP) cores, software development tools and design services, targeted for the high-speed communications, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) replacement and radiation-tolerant markets. Founded in 1985, Actel employs approximately 500 people worldwide. The Company is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ACTL and is headquartered at 2061 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, CA, 94043-4655. Telephone: 888-99-ACTEL (992-2835). Internet: http://www.actel.com.

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