Cypress Adds Jam Support to In-System Reprogramming Kit; New Kit to Support Simply Faster Ultra37000 CPLD Family.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 1998--Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:CY) today announced that it is offering complete support for the Jam programming and test language in its In-System Reprogramming(TM) (ISR(TM)) kit.

The new Warp2ISR(TM) kit includes the popular Warp2(R) design tools and Cypress's Ultra37000(TM) ISR kit, which includes the latest release of ISR software and a cable to easily program devices from a personal computer.

"As the only standard language for programming and testing CPLDs, Jam provides our customers with a quick, easy-to-use, inexpensive solution," said Norman Taffe, programmable logic marketing manager for Cypress. "With a host of programmer and test vendors already supporting Jam, our customers will benefit from the broad support available."

The Jam programming and test language was introduced by a consortium of companies in July 1997, and submitted to JEDEC in September 1997. Since then, Jam has become the No. 1 vendor-independent method of configuring in-system programmable CPLDs.

Jam is supported today by major test equipment vendors, including Hewlett-Packard, Teradyne, Goepel and Asset InterTech. Programming vendors supporting Jam include Advin, SMS, Stag, System General, Hi-Lo, and Xeltek. Jam supports programmable logic from Cypress, Altera, Lattice, Vantis and Xilinx.

The Jam programming and test language is a vendor- and platform-independent language for programming devices via the IEEE standard 1149.1 TAP controller, commonly known as JTAG.

The Jam language allows the specification of both the programming data and programming algorithm in a single file. Once created, a Jam file contains all the information required to program a specific design into a targeted device.

There are two software components in the Jam programming solution: the Jam "composer" and the Jam "player." The Jam composer writes the Jam file required to program a specific design into a specific device. The Jam player interprets the Jam file and programs the target device. These elements create a universal language and toolset that addresses all PLDs and all programming methodologies.

The Warp2ISR kit allows designers and end-users the ability to reprogram the Ultra37000 CPLDs after they have been placed on a printed circuit board, offering increased flexibility and faster time to market, as well as improved customer support.

While other CPLDs offer in-system programmability, customers often find that changes in logic cannot fit into the original pinout -- rendering design changes useless without a new board layout. Cypress offers true In-System Reprogrammability.

The unique Cypress architecture provides unmatched routability, allowing customers to implement changes with confidence that existing pinouts will be maintained. Cypress also offers a fixed, simple timing model that allows designers to make logic changes without affecting critical system timing parameters.

"Jam is a natural fit with our offerings," continued Taffe. "The demand for In-System Reprogrammability continues to increase, and Jam offers the best solution for this function."

Price and Availability

The Cypress Warp2ISR is available immediately priced at $175. For users who already own Warp software, the Ultra37000 ISR kit is also sold separately for only $99. Customers can buy either kit using Visa or MasterCard by calling Cypress at 1-800/858-1810 (U.S. only).

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. is an international supplier of high-performance integrated circuits with worldwide headquarters in San Jose. The company provides a broad range of products for leading computer, networking and telecommunications companies worldwide.

Cypress's product line includes static RAM and specialty memories; programmable logic devices (PLDs); data communications products; FCT logic; and personal computer timing devices and USB microcontrollers. Its shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CY. The company's World Wide Web site is http://www.cypress.com.

Note to Editors: Simply Faster, Ultra37000, ISR, and Warp2ISR are trademarks, and Warp2 is a registered trademark of Cypress Semiconductor.