Catalyst Semiconductor Enters High Speed SPI Compatible Serial EEPROM Market; 10MHz Clock Rate and 1.8V - 6V Operation; $250 Million Market.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 2001

Catalyst Semiconductor (Nasdaq:CATS) today announced the addition of the 32K-bit density CAT25C32 and CAT25C33 and the 64K-bit density CAT25C64 and CAT25C65 SPI(TM) bus compatible memory products to its serial EEPROM product line. The new devices feature a 10MHz clock rate and operate with power supplies ranging from 1.8 volts to 6.0 volts. Clock rate is 25 times higher than I2C (TM) devices operating at 400kHz.

"Fast, 10MHz SPI bus compatible EEPROM memories are a major addition to our broad line of Serial EEPROMs," said Catalyst Semiconductor Product Marketing Manager Gary Craig. "The worldwide market for SPI bus compatible EEPROMs reached $250 million in 2001 and this should exceed $450 million by 2003. Cellular and wireless communication applications, modems and consumer equipment demand fast Serial EEPROMs that must also operate at low battery voltages. With 10MHz operation and low operating voltage, the CAT25C32/33/64/65 achieve a new level of power and performance in the popular SPI memory architecture."

The CAT25C32 and CAT25C64 have four memory block protection modes, and the CAT25C33 and CAT25C65 have six memory block protection modes. All of the devices operate in the two most popular SPI serial clock modes (0,0 & 1,1). The four new products are organized as 4K x 8 and 8K x 8.

Advanced Software and Hardware Data Write Protection

The CAT25C32/33/64/65 Serial EEPROM family maximizes system flexibility and reliability with advanced data write protection. The memory can be partitioned into segments having different levels of write protection, thus preventing changes to certain data while allowing data changes to other portions of the memory. In addition to software write protection, the devices offer hardware write protection. Using the write protection input pin the system designer can protect specific blocks of the memory area reserved for configuration or serialization data, such as serial numbers or system setup parameters, from inadvertent changes. With these write protection features there is no need for additional components to permanently protect system configuration data.

High Speed, Low Power and Compact Packages

The CAT25C32/33/64/65 target applications where high performance, extended battery life and small size are essential. Packaging options include PDIP, small SOIC and low profile TSSOP packages. They are specified to operate from a low-voltage power source of 1.8 volts to 6.0 volts for read and program operations. Standby current is only picoamperes.

Price and Availability

Pricing for the CAT25C32 and CAT25C33 Serial EEPROM Memory in the SOIC, PDIP or TSSOP package is $0.85 at 10,000 pieces. Pricing for the CAT25C64 and CAT25C65 Serial EEPROM Memory in the SOIC, PDIP or TSSOP package is $0.95 at 10,000 pieces. Larger quantities are priced at significantly lower levels. Samples are available now, and production quantities are scheduled for the third quarter.

About Catalyst Semiconductor

Founded in 1985, Catalyst Semiconductor, Inc. is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. The Company designs and markets a broad range of programmable products including Flash Memories, Serial and Parallel EEPROMs, NVRAM, Digital Potentiometers, Microcontroller Supervisory circuits and other programmable Mixed Signal products. Catalyst products are used in telecommunications, networking systems, computation, industrial and consumer markets, driven by the Internet revolution. Typical applications include modems, network cards, PC BIOS, DIMM modules, cellular telephones, digital satellite box receivers, set-top boxes and Internet routers. Catalyst's Quality Management System is ISO 9001 certified. For additional information about Catalyst Semiconductor, visit our web site at www.catsemi.com

Except for those statements that report the Company's historical results, the statements being made are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause actual results to differ from expectations include the following: economic conditions in the market generally and in the semiconductor industry specifically, volatility in supply and demand affecting revenues and market prices, price and availability of silicon foundry, assembly and test subcontract capacity required to meet financial targets and/or meet backlog requirements, risks and delays associated with bringing up new production capabilities with deliveries from subcontractors, timing and market acceptance of new products, increased expenses associated with new product introductions or process changes, delays in developing or achieving volume production of new products, which can result in delays or failure to contribute to revenues and profits, ability of the Company to maintain its customer and vendor base and delays in and/or inability in raising additional capital. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained under the heading "Certain Factors That May Affect the Company's Future Results of Operations" listed from time to time in Catalyst's SEC reports, including but not limited to the report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2000 and Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended October 31, 2000 and January 31, 2001.

Editor Note: High-resolution electronic images are available by contacting Cari Pangelinan, Catalyst Semiconductor at 408/542-1029 or by email at [e-mail].

SPI is a trademark of Motorola, Inc. and I2C is a trademark of Philips Semiconductor.