Conexant Introduces New Low-Power, Cost-Reduced Satellite Demodulator; Enhanced Operating Range Supports Worldwide Satellite Set-Top Box Applications.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2003

Conexant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, today introduced a new low-power, cost-reduced demodulator and forward error correction (FEC) decoder for worldwide satellite set-top box, PC receiver, personal video recorder and residential gateway applications.

A satellite demodulator's main function is to take the incoming analog signal from the tuner, convert it to a digital signal, check it for any errors, and then output a digital data transport stream to an audio/video decoder chip.

The single-stream CX24123 supports symbol rates of 1-45 megasymbols per second (Msps), and requires only 0.5 watts of power to operate. When used in conjunction with Conexant's CX24109 satellite tuner, it forms a complete satellite front-end system. The device is compliant with international DVB/DSS/DCII industry standards.

"The CX24123 supports an expanded operating range that provides manufacturers with the flexibility to use a single device for multiple markets and applications," said David Jones, director of Conexant's Broadband Communications Segment's satellite broadband business.

"In addition, we've integrated functionality typically provided by passive components, which reduces the number of external components required, saving space and lowering bill-of-material costs."

The CX24123 is DiSEcC 2.x compliant, which enables two-way communication between the set-top box and peripheral satellite equipment, providing operators with equipment monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. Additional diagnostic features include an integrated signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate monitors, which allow basic channel performance measurements.

The device also includes several advanced features that reduce system cost. For example, the automatic acquisition state machine searches for and acquires the carrier within a +/- 10 MHz range during tracking and initial acquisition, which enables carriers to use a lower cost low noise block (LNB) to track and capture satellite broadcast signals.

Availability and Packaging

The CX24123 QPSK demodulator and FEC decoder is sampling now with volume production scheduled for the second quarter of calendar 2003. The device will be available in a 64-pin thin-quad flat pack (TQFP). It will also be offered in an 80-pin TQFP, which is pin-compatible with the company's CX24121 1-32 Msps solution. A complete reference design package is also available.

Conexant offers a comprehensive suite of digital STB components and system solutions for worldwide satellite, terrestrial and cable entertainment broadcasting networks. The company also supports a number of proprietary software solutions, and the new multimedia home platform.

About Conexant

Conexant Systems, Inc., a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, leverages its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products through two separate businesses.

The Broadband Communications business develops and delivers integrated solutions that enable digital entertainment and information networks for the home and small office. Mindspeed Technologies(TM), the company's Internet infrastructure business, designs, develops and sells a complete portfolio of semiconductor networking solutions that facilitate the aggregation, transmission and switching of data, video and voice from the edge of the Internet to linked metropolitan area networks.

Conexant is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. To learn more, visit us at www.conexant.com or www.mindspeed.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains statements relating to future results of Conexant (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: global economic and market conditions, such as the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the company's and its customers' products; demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; successful development of new products; the timing of new product introductions; the availability of manufacturing capacity; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; changes in product mix; product obsolescence; the ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for the related intellectual property; the successful separation of the company's broadband communications and Internet infrastructure businesses; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and the uncertainties of litigation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the security and safety risks of the company's employees and of company facilities and those risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Note to Editors: Conexant and Mindspeed are trademarks of Conexant Systems, Inc. Other brands and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.