PMC-Sierra Announces Next-Generation Packet Processor Family and Framer Solution for Converged IP Networks.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- New FREEDM LE and TEMUX Devices Enable Scalable and Feature-Rich Multi-Service Architectures for Router, VoIP and Wireless Applications

PMC-Sierra, Inc. (Nasdaq:PMCS) today announced the PM7305 FREEDM 336LE, PM7306 FREEDM 84LE,PM7307 FREEDM 32LE and PM8312 TEMUX 32 devices, the newest members of its market-leading FREEDM(TM) family of HDLC packet processors and TEMUX(R) family of high-density T1/E1 framers, mappers and multiplexers for multi-service architectures. The FREEDM LE devices add Multilink Point-to-Point Protocol over Frame Relay to the industry's only family of production-released HDLC, Point-to Point Protocol and Frame Relay processors that feature reliable, hardware-based processing for Multilink-PPP (ML-PPP) and Multilink-FR (ML-FR). The scalable TEMUX 32 reduces overall design costs and time to market for new designs by enabling a single development effort that targets rates ranging from T1/E1 up to OC-12/STM-4. PMC-Sierra's FREEDM and TEMUX families play a fundamental role in supporting traditional TDM-based networks, while enabling the transition to a converged IP infrastructure.

"PMC-Sierra's FREEDM LE and TEMUX families are an integral part of our strategy to service the wireless and wireline infrastructure market with winning solutions for our customers," said Dino Bekis, vice president of marketing and applications for PMC Sierra's Communication Products Division. "Our customers need to deliver scalable, flexible and reliable systems that address the next generation of converged IP services. PMC-Sierra's field-proven FREEDM and TEMUX product lines set the industry standard and provide the lowest risk and most scalable, cost-effective solutions in the market."

PMC-Sierra's FREEDM LE family enables:

--equipment manufacturers to deliver resilient router solutions that bridge the bandwidth gap between T1/E1 and DS3;

--the management of high-priority traffic and large data packets for latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP; and

--wireless networks to transition to an IP-based 3G network infrastructure, using Multilink Point-to-Point technology.

The TEMUX 32 integrates 32 T1/E1 framers, a DS3/E3 framer, an M13 multiplexer and a VT/TU mapper in a single device, featuring:

--enhanced clock control and jitter performance required by 3G Wireless, TDM over Packet (PWE3) and Circuit Emulation applications; and

--seamless interconnect with PMC-Sierra's Layer 2 solutions via the Scalable Bandwidth Interconnect (SBI) interface, reducing power, pin count and board design complexity compared to competitive devices.

The FREEDM LE and TEMUX devices are key components of an architecture that is critical to the growth in converged IP-based data and voice services, while leveraging the tremendous installed base of traditional Frame Relay- and PPP-based equipment. The FREEDM LE family and TEMUX 32 leverage field-proven technology to enable scalable and flexible next-generation architectures with minimum design risk and development cost. The devices are ideal for high density T1/E1 and DS3/E3 line cards in Wireless Radio Network Controllers (RNC), Base Station Controllers (BSC), Routers and Current and Next Generation Voice Infrastructure Equipment (see Figure 1).

Scalable and Feature-Rich Multi-Service Architectures

The FREEDM 336LE supports up to 336 T1, 252 E1 or 12 DS3/E3 links and is ideal for channelized OC-12/STM-4 or nxOC-3/STM-1 line card designs. The FREEDM 84LE supports up to 84 T1, 63 E1 or 3 DS3/E3 links and up to 1024 HDLC channels and is targeted at nxDS3 and OC-3/STM-1 line card designs. The FREEDM 32LE supports up to 32 T1/E1 or 1 DS3/E3 link and up to 1024 HDLC channels and is ideal for DS3/E3 or multiple T1/E1 line card designs. All members of the FREEDM LE family are hardware and software compatible, allowing one development to target multiple line card densities.

The TEMUX 32 device supports up to 32 T1, 32 E1 or 1 DS3/E3 link and features an M13 Multiplexer and VT/TU mapper. The device 32 features an SBI interface with enhanced clock control, enabling T1/E1 clock jitter and wander performance that meets rigid 3G wireless infrastructure, TDM over Packet (PWE3) and circuit emulation requirements. The integrated SBI bus reduces pin count and power consumption and enables a seamless interconnection to PMC-Sierra Layer 2 solutions, such as the new FREEDM LE family.

Complete Multi-Service Solutions

The FREEDM LE and TEMUX 32 devices work seamlessly with a broad range of PMC-Sierra products, including SPECTRA(TM) (SONET/SDH), ARROW (SONET/SDH), TEMUX (High Density T1/E1 framer/mapper/multiplexers), HDLIU(TM), S/UNI(R) IMA (ATM inverse multiplexer) and AAL1gator(TM) (ATM processor) families, offering proven, scalable solutions that can support most major protocols at the edge of the network (see Figure 2). OEMs can achieve time-to-market advantage, while reducing overall software and system development costs through the use of PMC-Sierra's hardware and software compatible FREEDM and TEMUX solutions. PMC-Sierra's complete families of Multi-Service solutions are low power, field-proven and scalable, providing optimized performance and reliability (see Figure 3).

Availability and Customer Support

The FREEDM 336LE, FREEDM 84LE and FREEDM 32LE devices are currently sampling. The FREEDM LE devices are packaged in a 40 x 40 mm, 520-pin SBGA package and utilize 0.18 micron technology. They are low power 1.8V CMOS and rated for industrial temperature range operation (-40 to +85 degrees Celsius). The TEMUX 32 is also currently sampling. The device is packaged in a 23 x 23 mm, 324-pin PBGA package and utilizes 0.18 micron technology. The TEMUX 32 utilizes low power 1.8V CMOS and is rated for industrial temperature range operation (-40 to +85 degrees Celsius). Comprehensive support packages including datasheets and application notes for both the FREEDM LE and TEMUX 32 are available on PMC-Sierra's web site at www.pmc-sierra.com/networking.

About PMC-Sierra

PMC-Sierra(TM) is a leading provider of high-speed broadband communications semiconductors, storage semiconductors and microprocessors. The company offers worldwide technical and sales support through its network of offices in North America, Europe 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: FREEDM LE/TEMUX 32 Application Examples

Figure 2: FREEDM LE/TEMUX 32 Scalable Architectures

Figure 3: PMC-Sierra ASAP Solutions

For figures, visit:

http://www.pmc-sierra.com/pressRoom/pdf/FREEDMLE_T32_figures.pdf

For photos, visit:

http://www.pmc-sierra.com/pressRoom/images/FREEDM_LE_set.jpg

http://www.pmc-sierra.com/pressRoom/images/TEMUX_32.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. 2005. All rights reserved. PMC, PMCS, PMC-Sierra, and "Thinking You can Build On" are trademarks of PMC-Sierra, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.