IDT Extends Scalability of RISController Family With New Socket and Software Compatible Microprocessors.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 1999--

Industry's Fastest 64-Bit Embedded Processors,

Based on Enhanced RC5000 Architecture,

Designed For High-Performance, Cost-Sensitive Applications

IDT, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDTI), a leading manufacturer of RISC microprocessors, today announced new high-performance additions to its 64-bit RISController(TM) microprocessor line based on IDT's enhanced version of the RC5000(TM) microprocessor architecture. The new cost-effective RC64574(TM) and RC64575(TM) microprocessors, available in 200-MHz, 250-MHz, 300-MHz and 333-MHz versions, deliver increased RC5000 performance for lower cost system designs. Running at speeds up to 333 MHz, IDT's new devices are the industry's fastest 64-bit embedded microprocessors.

The RC64574/575 microprocessors are pin compatible with IDT CPUs based on the RISCore4000(TM) architecture, such as the RC64474/475(TM) and recently upgraded RC4640/50(TM), and are bus compatible with existing and future RC5000 CPUs. In addition, the new RC64574/575 devices maintain software compatibility with IDT's entire 64-bit RISController family, as well as code compatibility, including DSP functions, with its 32-bit, low-cost RC32364(TM) microprocessor, allowing designers to migrate across the RISController family, depending on price/performance needs, without incurring additional software development costs.

"By maintaining pin compatibility with our RC4640/50 and RC64474/475 processors, IDT has set the mark for upgrade-path flexibility in the 64-bit market, providing our customers with a tremendous advantage in terms of reduced development costs, resources and time-to-market," said Nick Kucharewski, vice president of IDT's microprocessor division. "Additionally, the RC64574/575 microprocessors deliver the high level of performance needed for leading-edge embedded applications at a very attractive price point."

The RC64574/575 microprocessors provide high performance and increased system bandwidth for a wide range of products, from network switches and routers to consumer video, set-top box, color printer and graphics applications. The 333-MHz RC64575 microprocessor, for example, delivers 440 dhrystone MIPS performance and offers 6.2 GB/second aggregate bandwidth. The RC64574/575 microprocessors operate at 2.5 volts with 3.3-volt tolerance and feature on-chip primary caches of 32 Kbytes for each data and instruction.

High Performance and Functionality

Both the RC64574 and RC64575 microprocessors are based on an enhanced version of the RISCore5000(TM) architecture and implement a superset of the MIPS(R) IV instruction-set architecture. Designers can choose between the RC64574 device with its 32-bit external system interface bus for lower-cost solutions or the RC64575 CPU with its 64-bit interface bus for higher bandwidth. The processors' large 32 Kbyte primary on-chip caches are further enhanced with cache locking to provide superior caching capability, improving the efficiency of network switching and routing applications. Additionally, an on-chip TLB enables the processors to support a wide range of complex real-time operating systems that require a full-featured MMU.

For consumer markets, the new CPUs are Windows(R) CE compatible and feature an on-chip, high-performance floating-point accelerator that directly implements single- and double-precision operations, allowing graphics and audio functions to be processed in the microprocessor. In addition, the processors' MAC unit eliminates the need for external DSP devices by processing DSP algorithms on the CPU, reducing the cost and space required for external devices, and enabling functionality such as user interfaces, modem emulation and sound synthesis. Additionally, the RC64574/575 processors include support for the recently announced Microsoft(R) TV Platform software for the television industry.

The RC64574/575 microprocessors are the latest addition to IDT's widely used 32-/64-bit RISController series of embedded microprocessors. The new microprocessors are positioned between the company's RC64474/475 64-bit processors, based on the RISCore4000 architecture, and its high-end RC5000 microprocessors.

World-Class RISController Series of Embedded Products

Offering a wide range of software-compatible, price/performance choices, IDT has optimized its high-performance microprocessors and complementary system controllers for use in an assortment of embedded communications applications, including internetworking, multimedia, datacom and telecom products. IDT's commitment to delivering system level solutions, comprehensive tools support and world-class microprocessors, based on the MIPS instruction-set, have made the RISController series the standard for a number of industry-leading companies in the digital consumer and communications markets.

Pricing and Availability

The RC64574 microprocessors are sampling now in 128-pin PowerQuad packages. In 10,000 unit quantities, the 200-MHz, 250-MHz and 300-MHz RC64574 devices are priced at $23, $36 and $58, each, respectively. The 250-MHz, 300-MHz and 333-MHz RC64575 CPUs, sampling now in 208 pin PowerQuad packages, are priced at $55, $71 and $88, each, respectively. Full production for both microprocessors is scheduled for Q4CY99.

About IDT

IDT enables a digitally connected world by providing innovative semiconductor solutions to leading-edge system designers in communications and computing. IDT's broad product mix consists of communications memories, networking devices, RISC microprocessors, high-speed SRAMs, and high-performance logic and clock management products.

Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., the company employs approximately 4,700 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in California, Oregon, the Philippines, Malaysia and Australia. IDT stock is traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol "IDTI." Additional information about IDT is easily accessible through the Web at www.idt.com, on CD-ROM by calling 800/345-7015, or via fax-on-demand at 800/9-IDT-FAX. The investor hotline is 408/654-6420.

RC32364, RC4640, RC4650, RC5000, RC64474, RC64475, RC64574, RC64575, RISController, RISCore4000 and RISCore5000 are trademarks of Integrated Device Technology, Inc. All other brands or products are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. IDT Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in the trademarks of others.