Cirrus Logic Mobile Compute Engine Supports New 32-bit Operating System from Psion Software PLC; New Embedded OS Targets Hand-Held Applications.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 15, 1996--Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ: CRUS) today announced that its new ARM-based CL-PS7110 mobile compute engine supports the EPOC/32 operating system, an open software platform from Psion Software PLC.

This embedded operating system was designed specifically for hand-held and mobile applications, such as high-end palmtops, mobile web browsers and smartphones that require a robust 32-bit architecture.

The company also announced the availability of a complete system design kit that contains schematics, design database, ARM software development toolkit and user's manual. With Psion's operating system providing all the drivers for CL-PS7110 peripherals, the system design kit offers OEMs and system integrators a complete solution.

Psion's EPOC/32(TM) OS was a collaborative development effort with both system software and chip designers. This joint effort ensured that the operating system took full advantage of all the features of the CL-PS7110, including its unique ultra low-power consumption modes to deliver maximum battery life.

"We applaud Psion's open software approach to this rapidly emerging market for consumer appliances," said George Alexy, senior vice president of marketing at Cirrus Logic.

"Psion's 15 years of specialized expertise in developing operating systems, application software and hardware for mobile computing and communication devices will bring an extraordinary value to OEMs designing systems based on Cirrus Logic's CL-PS7110."

"We are happy to have Cirrus Logic as a partner as we advance our software technology into the 32-bit arena," said Colly Myers CEO of Psion Software PLC. "Cirrus Logic's system integration, ultra low-power design expertise and process technology were important to us in selecting a semiconductor partner."

Myers added, "With the convergence of communications and palmtop computing and the growing popularity of the Internet and Intranets, we are confident that EPOC/32 will be a key enabler of mobile thin client devices. Our close relationship with Cirrus Logic is a tremendous advantage in this emerging area."

Tim O'Donnell, president of ARM Inc., commented, "This Cirrus Logic/Psion partnership demonstrates that the ARM architecture is becoming the standard for portable communications and mobile computing. Cirrus Logic's CL-PS7110 is a good example of how the ARM architecture, with it's low power consumption and high integration, is a strong foundation for applications in this segment."

The CL-PS7110 combines the lowest system power consumption of any processor available today with performance equal to a 33 MHz Intel(R) 486(TM) based PC. New hand-held devices based on the chip will run on two AA batteries for three months, assuming typical daily usage of eight hours.

Cirrus Logic Inc. is a leading manufacturer of advanced integrated circuits that perform multimedia, communications and mass storage functions.

Having captured strong market positions in key sectors of the desktop and portable PC markets, the company is now extending its core technologies beyond the PC to innovate software-rich chip solutions for Internet appliances, hand-held digital assistants and communications devices, high-speed internetworking, digital wireless communications and consumer electronics. -0-

Note to Editors: Additional information about Cirrus Logic and its subsidiaries is available on the worldwide web at http://www.cirrus.com or via fax-on-demand at 800/594-6414 (dial 510/249-4200 from outside the United States).

For additional information on the CL-PS7110 see the companion release.

CONTACT: Cirrus Logic Inc.

Connie Duncan, 510/226-2346

[e-mail]

Ashis Khan, 510/226-2373

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or

Tsantes & Associates

Mary Jane Reiter, 408/452-8700

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