Cypress Samples Industry's First 9-Mbit Dual-Port Communications RAM.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2001

First in Family of 9-Mbit True Dual Port Devices Addresses

High-Density Requirements Of High-Performance

Communications Networks, Storage Networks, Wireless Basestations

Cypress Semiconductor (NYSE:CY) today announced first samples of its 9 Mbit DENSE(TM) Dual-Port RAM, the industry's first 9-Mbit dual-port solution. The CY7C08D53 expands Cypress's portfolio of true dual-port memories to include the industry's highest-density solution for the memory buffering requirements of high-performance wide-area networks, storage networks and wireless basestations.

The CY7C08D53 provides 9 Mbits of synchronous, pipelined dual-ported memory capable of buffering large packets of data in two independent clock domains. Configured as a 256K x 36 bit wide device, it provides up to 6 Mbps of bandwidth and allows for easy interface to wide busses. The device operates at up to 83 MHz, staying ahead of the popular PCI bus speed sweetspot of 67 MHz. It will be packaged in a 176-pin TQFP (24mm x 24mm). A true dual-port memory, the 9 Mbit DENSE Dual-Port RAM provides simultaneous read and write access to any memory cell in its 9 Mbit memory array from either of its two ports. In addition, the two ports may operate in completely independent clock speeds, allowing complete decoupling of the devices being interfaced.

"High density is critically important when dual-ported memories are used to buffer large volumes of data in high performance communications systems," said Chris Norris, Vice President of Cypress's Data Communications Division. "Cypress is driving the industry by producing a complete portfolio of products -- PHYs, framers, SERDES, CPLDs, and multi-ported memories -- targeted at high-performance linecard applications, allowing system designers to design their system architectures around leading-edge communications devices like the 9 Mbit DENSE Dual Port."

In many communications applications using linecard switching architectures, high-density multi-ported memories are used for data packet buffering between the backplane interconnect and the data port. The multi-port memory is commonly used to both store and manipulate packet data between baseband processing and digital signal processing system devices operating at different clock speeds. When a difference between the input and output data speeds exists, a buffer is required to avoid loss of data and maintain an efficient flow control. The greater the difference between the input and output clocking speeds (indicative of interfacing high performance communication protocols such as OC-48 or Gigabit Ethernet), the greater the need for capacity of buffering. These requirements dictate the need for a high density multi-port memory versus a standard SRAM in communication systems.

The multi-port memory may also be used in conjunction with a high density CPLD (like Cypress's Delta39K(TM) family) which controls the data flow and partitioning of the memory. The partitioning can be done to create multiple sections or "queues" inside of the memory to alleviate common networking issues such as Head of Line Blocking and enable Quality of Service classification. The high density of the 9 Mbit DENSE Dual Port will allow system designers the most queue density capability of any true dual-port memory

The 9 Mbit DENSE Dual Port is the first of several new introductions planned by Cypress within the upcoming year to address the high-density buffering and high-bandwidth needs of the equipment used in wide-area network, storage area network, and wireless infrastructure systems.

Availability and Pricing

Alpha samples of the CY7C08D53 are available now. General sampling will continue in the second quarter of 2001 and production quantities will begin shipping in the second quarter. The devices will be priced around $97 in quantities of 10K units.

About Cypress

Cypress Semiconductor is "Driving the Communications Revolution"(TM) by providing high-performance integrated circuit solutions to fast-growing markets, including data communications, telecommunications, computation, consumer products, and industrial control. With a focus on emerging communications applications, Cypress's product portfolios include high-speed data communications ICs; networking-optimized and micropower static RAMs; high-bandwidth multi-port and FIFO memories; high-density programmable logic devices; timing technology solutions; and controllers for Universal Serial Bus (USB). Cypress is No. 1 in the USB and clock chip markets.

More than two-thirds of Cypress's sales come from fast-growing communications markets and dynamic companies such as Alcatel, Cisco, Ericsson, Lucent, Motorola, Nortel Networks, and 3Com. Cypress's ability to mix and match its broad portfolio of intellectual property enables targeted, integrated solutions for high-speed systems that feed bandwidth-hungry Internet applications. Cypress aims to become the preferred silicon supplier for Internet switching systems and for every Internet data stream to pass through at least one Cypress IC.

Cypress employs more than 4,100 people worldwide with international headquarters in San Jose, California. Its shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CY. More information about Cypress is accessible electronically on the company's worldwide Web site at http://www.cypress.com or by CD-ROM (call 800/858-1810). An electronic investor forum, and other investor information, is located at http://www.cypress.com/investor/index.html.

"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, including by not limited to: the effect of global economic conditions, shifts in supply and demand, market acceptance, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, and capacity and supply constraints. Please refer to Cypress's Securities and Exchange Commission filings for a discussion of such risks.

Note to Editors: 9 Mbit DENSE, Delta39K and "Driving the Communications Revolution" are trademarks of Cypress Semiconductor.