Cypress offers support for programmable logic design with Mentor Graphics software; "Bolt-in Kit" gives seamless integration of Mentor Graphics tools with Warp Software.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 1997--Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:CY) today announced that users can now utilize their Mentor Graphics (NASDAQ:MENT) integrated system design environment to design with Cypress's complete line of programmable logic offerings.

The new Cypress Mentor Graphics Bolt-in Kit provides seamless integration of Mentor's Design Architect(TM) schematic entry tool with Cypress's Warp software, giving Mentor Graphics customers access to Cypress's high-performance silicon and industry-leading synthesis in their own familiar, device-independent design environment. Users can also perform functional and timing verification using Mentor Graphics' QuickSimII(TM) or QuickHDL(TM) simulators (or other VHDL or Verilog simulators) to complete the design flow.

"We are pleased that the large installed base of Mentor Graphics customers can now easily design-in any of our products from their own environment," said Norman Taffe, product marketing manager for programmable logic at Cypress. "Based on the high-quality and seamless integration of Cypress's and Mentor Graphics' tools, we expect significant design wins from this kit."

Steve Shively, Digital Simulation Product Line Manager for Mentor Graphics, said, "The Cypress Mentor Graphics Bolt-in Kit gives our mutual customers more options and greater flexibility for programmable logic design. It is easy-to-use and offers excellent results, so we look forward to a positive response from our customers."

The Cypress Mentor Graphics Bolt-in Kit allows designers to mix VHDL modules with schematic symbols during design entry. Cypress's Warp software then synthesizes the design using the powerful UltraGen synthesis technology.

UltraGen uses module generation that automatically searches VHDL source code for complex arithmetic and datapath operators and replaces it with a hand-crafted circuit optimized for the target device. In addition, UltraGen allows users to optimize portions of a design for maximum speed and other portions for minimal area utilization.

Cypress Broad Programmable Logic Offering

Cypress offers a broad range of programmable logic, including industry-standard SPLDs such as the 16V8, 20V8 and 22V10; and the UltraLogic (TM) family of In-System Reprogrammable (ISR) CPLDs. the FLASH370i (TM) family. All are supported by the Warp design tools, giving users access to a broad range of devices with a single, open development tool.

UltraLogic offers inexpensive, industry-standard software that allows users to enter a design once, and then target to a choice of device architectures, offering maximum flexibility with short design cycles.

Price and Availability

The Cypress Mentor Graphics Bolt-in Kit is available immediately for the SunOS, Solaris and HP-UX environments. The kit is priced at $995 and includes Cypress's popular VHDL for Programmable Logic textbook published by Addison-Wesley. In the United States, customers can call Cypress at 800/858-1810 for more information. Information is also available on the worldwide web at http://www.cypress.com .

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation is an international supplier of high-performance integrated circuits with worldwide headquarters in San Jose, California. The company provides a broad range of products for leading computer, networking, and telecommunications companies worldwide. The company's product line includes static RAM, EPROM, and specialty memories; programmable logic; data communications products; and personal computer chipset, timing devices, and USB microcontrollers. Cypress shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CY. The company has a site on the worldwide web at http://www.cypress.com .

Established in 1981, Mentor Graphics Corporation (NASDAQ:MENT) designs, manufactures, markets and distributes electronic design automation (EDA) software and provides professional services supporting its customers' complete design environments.

In order to assist design teams with the development of complex integrated circuits -- with millions of transistors on a chip -- Mentor Graphics has implemented an "Integrated System Design" approach and Intellectual Property (IP) strategy that provide engineers with software tools, reusable hardware and software building blocks, and new service models that enable efficient development of system-on-a-chip and system-on-a-board products.

In support of IP industry issues, the company is an inaugural member of the Virtual Socket Interface (VSI) Alliance and RAPID Association. The company is a leader in worldwide EDA sales, with revenues of $447,219,000 over the last reported 12 months. The company currently employs approximately 2,400 people worldwide. The company's headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. -0-

Note to Editors: Warp, UltraGen, UltraLogic, ISR, and FLASH370i are trademarks of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. Design Architect, QuickSimII, and QuickHDL are trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corp.

CONTACT: Cypress Semiconductor

Don Parkman, 408/943-2817

or

Mentor Graphics

Eileen Drake, 503/221-1551

Donna Shuster, 503/685-1132