Athena Releases Second Generation of TeraFire Security Coprocessors; Two New Additions Join Family of World's Fastest Security Processors.

Business Editors/Technology Writers

GAINESVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 2002

The Athena Group, a leading provider of high-performance DSP (digital signal processing) technology, today announced two new additions to the TeraFire(TM) family of security accelerators. Designed specifically for computationally intensive SoC (system on a chip) applications, TeraFire accelerator engines execute over one trillion (1,000,000,000,000) 16-bit multiply-accumulates (MACs) per second in power-efficient IP cores -- realizing next generation computing goals today.

The latest TeraFire coprocessors raise the standards for area efficiency and performance in security processing applications. For high-performance, low-latency applications, the EXP-A1200 employs breakthrough multiplier technology to deliver over 10,000 1024-bit RSA private key operations per second from a single core. Completing each operation in less than 100 microseconds, the EXP-A1200 is the lowest latency security accelerator in the world. For embedded applications, the EXP-A1030 uses less than 300 milliwatts of power, is less than one square millimeter in silicon, yet performs 1,600 RSA 1024-bit private key operations per second. Delivering performance competitive with standalone public key accelerator chips at a fraction of the size, the EXP-A1030 is ideal for high-volume, low-cost information appliances.

"These two products demonstrate the range of flexibility and performance of Athena technology," said Dr. Jon Mellott, Chief Technology Officer of Athena. "Performance per unit area is the key, and Athena solutions are smaller and more power efficient at every performance level. Athena's ability to meet diverse requirements is one of the reasons that multiple licensees have adopted TeraFire security technology to replace their own IP in new products."

TeraFire security accelerator cores are designed specifically for demanding SoC applications. A single Terafire core can do the work that previously demanded an array, and do it in a fraction of the area and power. TeraFire security accelerators are available now in configurations optimized for native key lengths from 512-bits to 4096-bits, and with performance levels ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 RSA private key operations per second.

"Today's network security market demands that new products offer an impressive combination of performance and functionality," said Linley Gwennap, president and principal analyst of The Linley Group. "Athena's TeraFire IP enables OEMs and silicon vendors to quickly create products that meet stringent market demands and stand out from the competition."

Other TeraFire processors, including the TeraFire OFDM processor, are now in development for the wireless and broadband communications markets. These new processors will join Athena's complete library of DSP IP for power-sensitive applications and those requiring extraordinary performance.

Product Description

Each TeraFire core package is delivered as a firm core optimized to any customer-specified library. The package includes the core, verification suites, timing and simulation models, and documentation.

Athena's IP cores are designed for efficient implementation and rapid delivery. The company's proprietary, wholly automated implementation and verification methodology produces synchronous, testable IP cores of the highest quality. All Athena IP cores achieve a score of 95% or better on the OpenMore scale of IP reusability.

About The Athena Group, Inc.

The Athena Group, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida licenses high-performance DSP (digital signal processing) technology that delivers breakthrough performance, reduced area and lower power consumption in a broad range of SoC products. Athena's proprietary technology powers leading edge applications such as secure e-commerce, wireless communications, and video compression. In addition to their high value application level solutions, Athena also produces a full line of fundamental DSP functions suitable for SoC integration.

Athena was founded in 1986 and is privately held. For more information about Athena contact: The Athena Group, 5522 NW 43rd St., Suite B, Gainesville, FL, 32653. Phone: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Web: http://www.athena-group.com.

For information on TeraFire and other Athena products, contact:

Pat Rugg, VP Sales and Marketing The Athena Group, Inc. 5522 NW 43rd St., Suite B Gainesville, FL 32653 Phone: [phone] ext. 110 Toll-free: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Internet: http://www.athena-group.com

TeraFire is a trademark of The Athena Group, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.