PMC-Sierra Announces 336-Channel T1/E1/DS3/E3 Framer Enabling Wireline and Wireless Network Evolution.

TEMUX 336 Addresses Key Line Card Density Challenges Driven by 3G and VoIP Deployments

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- PMC-Sierra, Inc. (Nasdaq:PMCS) today announced the PM8310 TEMUX[R] 336, the industry's most integrated and scalable framer solution for next generation voice, wireless and router platforms. The TEMUX 336 uniquely meets the demanding density and feature requirements of both proprietary and AdvancedTCA[R] /Advanced Mezzanine based equipment, enabling carriers to cost-effectively upgrade their existing equipment to meet continued subscriber growth. Feature integration and scalability make TEMUX 336 the ideal solution for high density SONET/SDH, T1/E1 and DS3/E3 line cards used in Voice and Media Gateways, Wireless Infrastructure and Routers (see Figures 1-3).

The TEMUX 336 is a single-chip solution integrating OC-12/STM-4 or 4xOC-3/STM-1 SONET/SDH framers for working and protect links, 336/252 T1/E1 framers, 12 DS3/E3 framers, 12 M13/G.747 multiplexers and 12 VT/TU mappers. The device features:

* Best in class clock control and jitter performance required by 3G wireless, TDM over Packet (PWE3) and Circuit Emulation applications;

* Integrated Extended Serial SONET/SDH Interface (ESSI) serial links utilizing PMC-Sierra's field-proven high-speed serial backplane technology;

* A market leading equipment protection interface that uniquely fits the constraints of ATCA[R]/AdvancedMC[TM] based systems;

* A small form factor and low power to meet board-level requirements;

* Seamless interconnect with PMC-Sierra Layer 2 solutions via the Scalable Bandwidth Interconnect (SBI) interface; and

* Firmware compatible with previous-generation TEMUX devices.

The TEMUX 336 is the newest addition to PMC-Sierra's broad portfolio of solutions for managing existing TDM-based networks while enabling the transition to a converged IP infrastructure. The device is compatible with PMC-Sierra's widely deployed family of industry-leading TEMUX solutions and allows customers to fully leverage their existing software into higher density applications.

"Through our close partnership with carriers and OEMs, PMC-Sierra has addressed several key market requirements with the TEMUX 336," said Dino Bekis, vice president of marketing and applications for PMC-Sierra's Communication Products Division. "We are providing the ideal solution to enable our customers to meet the increasing and evolving demands of carrier networks, while leverage their existing investments. Our customers are able to reduce their development costs and improve time to market by using this highly flexible platform to develop a single design for multiple services and configurations."

Complete Multi-Service Solutions

The TEMUX 336 seamlessly interfaces with a broad range of PMC-Sierra solutions. The unique Extended Serial SONET/SDH Interface (ESSI) enables a low pin-count interconnect to:

* Additional TEMUX 336 devices for equipment protection applications;

* Higher rate SONET/SDH framers such as the PM5336 ARROW 2488 for channelized OC-48/STM-16 designs;

* SONET/SDH cross-connects in transport applications; and

* Ethernet over SONET/SDH mappers, such as the PM4390 ARROW M8xFE.

Additionally, the SBI bus enables a simple interconnect to PMC-Sierra Layer 2 solutions such as the FREEDM[TM] (HDLC processor), S/UNI[R] IMA (ATM inverse multiplexer) and AAL1gator[TM] (ATM-based CES processor) families.

TEMUX 168 for Lower Density Applications

PMC-Sierra today also announced the PM8311 TEMUX 168 for lower density designs. The TEMUX 168 is a single device integrating 2xOC-3/STM-1 SONET/SDH framers for working and protect links, 168/126 T1/E1 framers, six DS3/E3 framers, six M13/G.747 multiplexers and six VT/TU mappers. The TEMUX 168 is fully hardware and software compatible with the TEMUX 336.

Availability and Customer Support

The TEMUX 336 and TEMUX 168 will sample in February 2007. The devices are packaged in 31 x 31 mm, 896-pin FCBGA packages, utilizing low power 1V CMOS and are rated for industrial temperature range operation (-40 to +85 degrees Celsius). Both devices are available in RoHS compliant lead-free packaging. A comprehensive support package, including datasheets and application notes, is available on PMC-Sierra's web site at www.pmc-sierra.com/networking.

About PMC-Sierra

PMC-Sierra[TM] is a leading provider of broadband communications and storage semiconductors for metro, access, fiber to the home, wireless infrastructure, storage, laser printers and customer premises equipment. PMC-Sierra offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe, Israel and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the PMCS symbol and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit www.pmc-sierra.com.

Attachments

Figure 1: TEMUX 336 in Next-Gen Voice Applications

Figure 2: TEMUX 336 in Wireless Applications

Figure 3: TEMUX 336 in Router Applications

For figures visit: http://www.pmc-sierra.com/news_room/pdf/TEMUX_figures.pdf

For photos visit: http://www.pmc-sierra.com/news_room/images/TEMUX_168_336.jpg

Resources to Extend your Product Knowledge and Understanding

PMC-Sierra New Products www.pmc-sierra.com/products/newProducts.html

PMC-Sierra Networking Webinars www.pmc-sierra.com/webinars

PMC-Sierra White Papers www.pmc-sierra.com/whitepaper

[c] Copyright PMC-Sierra, Inc. 2006. All rights reserved. PMC, TEMUX and S/UNI are registered trademarks of PMC-Sierra, Inc. in the United States and other countries. PMC-SIERRA, PMCS, FREEDM, AAL1gator and "Thinking You can Build On" are trademarks of PMC-Sierra, Inc. AdvancedTCA and ATCA are registered trademarks of the PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturers Group. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.