Conexant Licenses ARC Configurable Processor Core.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- ARC International (LSE:ARK), the world leader in configurable CPU/DSP processor cores and application platforms, today announced that Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor solutions for broadband communications, enterprise networks and the digital home, has licensed the ARC(TM) configurable processor core for use in their multi-function peripheral products.

Conexant intends to use the configurable ARC processor in new chipsets for multi-function printing and copying devices. Conexant's multi-function peripheral semiconductor line, which is part of the company's Universal and Voice Access business, targets high volume, consumer applications incorporating printer/scanner/copier/fax solutions. In addition to the ARC configurable processor, Conexant has also licensed ARC's MQX(TM) RTOS and MetaWare(R) development tools. The combination of ARC's configurable processors, and optimized development software, makes it easy to get application-configured SOC solutions to market faster and provides a robust platform for end-user applications.

The configurability of the ARC processor core also allows customers to design high-volume products that are extremely cost-effective. "Conexant is a great example of how the ARC's customers can take advantage of processor configurability to meet their unique product requirements - and differentiate from their competition," said Derek Meyer, ARC Vice President of Marketing. "Customers are able make specific trade-offs in performance, size and power that enable the design of a more cost-effective and unique solution."

About Conexant

Conexant's innovative semiconductor solutions are driving broadband communications, enterprise networks and digital home networks worldwide. The company has leveraged its expertise and leadership position in modem technologies to enable more Internet connections than all of its competitors combined, and continues to develop highly integrated silicon solutions for broadband data and media processing networks.

Key products include client-side xDSL and cable modem solutions, home network processors, broadcast video encoders and decoders, digital set-top box components and systems solutions, and dial-up modems. Conexant's suite of networking components includes a leadership portfolio of IEEE 802.11a/b/g-compliant WLAN chipsets, software and reference designs, as well as solutions for applications based on HomePlug(R) and HomePNA(TM). The company also offers a complete line of asymmetric and symmetric DSL central office solutions, which are used by service providers worldwide to deliver broadband data, voice, and video over copper telephone lines.

Conexant is a fabless semiconductor company with annual run-rate revenues of approximately $1.0 billion. The company has approximately 2,400 employees worldwide, and is headquartered in Red Bank, N.J. To learn more, please visit us at www.conexant.com.

About ARC

ARC International is a world leader in low-power, high-performance 32-bit configurable CPU/DSP processor cores, real-time operating systems and development tools for embedded system design. ARC's configurable and extendible cores assist customers in the development of next generation digital media, consumer and communications devices, resulting in lower cost, higher performance System-on-Chip products.

ARC International maintains a worldwide presence with corporate offices in San Jose, California, USA and Elstree, UK. The Company has research and development offices located in England and the United States. For more information please visit the ARC website at: www.ARC.com. ARC International is listed on the London Stock Exchange as ARC International plc (LSE:ARK).

This press release may include "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ are discussed in the 'Investment Considerations' section of the Company's web site as well as the listing particulars, dated 28 September 2000, filed with the United Kingdom Listing Authority and the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

ARC, the ARC logo, ARCtangent, ARCangel, ARChitect, ARCform, MQX and MetaWare are trademarks of ARC International. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders.