Cypress Introduces C Compiler for USB Microcontrollers; Offers High-Level Language Programming Support.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 1999--

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:CY) today announced that it is offering a C Compiler developed expressly for its family of USB (Universal Serial Bus) Microcontrollers. The C Compiler lets designers enter code in the higher-level C language as opposed to the traditional assembly language. This minimizes development time of the firmware code used to program the devices. It also enables the development of very efficient, compact code that is easy to maintain.

Cypress's C Compiler was developed by Byte Craft Limited, an industry leader in 8-bit microcontroller C Compilers. It offers a built-in macro cross-assembler that saves time in developing code and provides flexibility by allowing access to low-level (assembler) instructions in C code. The C Compiler also provides Byte Craft's BClink linker that optimizes independently compiled modules with one final pass on the entire program. The linker ensures that the entire program is optimized as a whole, instead of optimizing separate modules independently.

"The C Compiler eases the process of designing with our USB devices, and offers the highest quality tools to complement our industry-leading silicon," said Pete Fowler, director of marketing for Cypress's Computer Products Division. "By partnering with Byte Craft, we gain the expertise of an industry leader targeted specifically to our devices."

Product Features

Cypress's C Compiler includes an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and editor to organize access to project settings and facilitate quick project builds. It offers embedded C language libraries including I2C, SPI, UART, LCD, delay, math routines, and floating point routines to reduce development time. The source code for the libraries is accessible to allow for customization. The Cypress C Compiler also supports 8, 16, 24, and 32-bit integers, allowing for maximum precision in integer math functions and minimizing overhead.

Cypress is currently the market leader in USB microcontrollers having shipped more than 18 million units, over 50% of all microcontroller shipments. Cypress developed its microcontroller line specifically for USB applications, implementing only features that are useful in this arena. Cypress is therefore able to offer full USB functionality at low cost.

Price and Availability

The Cypress C Compiler is available today priced at $1595.

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation, headquartered in San Jose, California, provides a broad range of integrated circuits for leading computer, networking, and telecommunications companies worldwide. Cypress's products include static RAM and specialty memories, programmable logic devices (PLDs), data communications products, timing devices, and USB microcontrollers. Its shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CY, and its web site is http://www.cypress.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements herein that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" involving risks and uncertainties. Please refer to Cypress's Securities and Exchange Commission filings for a discussion of such risks.