Conexant to Provide Ericsson With GSM Dual-Band Power Amplifiers.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 15, 1999--

Conexant Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CNXT) Thursday announced that Ericsson (Nasdaq:ERICY) has selected Conexant's Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) dual-band power amplifiers (PAs) for its next-generation digital cellular phone. Conexant started shipping to Ericsson in volume production this month.

Conexant's digital cellular PAs use the company's highly efficient gallium arsenide (GaAs) Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) process to increase talk and standby times. The GSM dual-band PA is packaged in one of Conexant's first laminate-based multi-chip modules (MCM) specifically developed for wireless applications. This technology allows for the integration of multiple devices and all PA circuitry into a single, small form-factor package.

"Our PAs offer greater efficiency, functionality and flexibility in a size necessary to produce compact world-class handsets like Ericsson's latest cellular offering," said Moiz Beguwala, senior vice president and general manager for Conexant's Wireless Communications Division. "We are very proud of the strong engineering relationship we have built with a market leader such as Ericsson."

Conexant provides component, radio frequency (RF) and full system solutions for the world's major wireless communications standards, including Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and GSM, the two main technologies contributing to the proposed third-generation (3G) mobile communications standards. Conexant's expertise in both CDMA and GSM positions the company to play a leading role in 3G technology development.

Conexant Systems is the $1.2 billion company that was created when Rockwell International spun off its semiconductor systems business to shareowners in December 1998. Conexant is the world's largest independent company focused exclusively on providing semiconductor products for communications electronics. With more than 30 years of experience in developing communications technology, the company draws upon its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products for a broad range of communications applications. These products facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data communications networks, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems, personal imaging devices and equipment, and emerging cable and wireless broadband communications networks. The company aligns its business into five product platforms: Personal Computing, Personal Imaging, Wireless Communications, Digital Infotainment and Network Access. Conexant is a member of the Nasdaq-100 Index, which represents the largest and most active stocks listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market across major industry groups.

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