SBS Technologies Introduces New Low-Cost PrPMC with Flexible Memory; Supports Customer Needs for Modularity, Scalability and Flexibility.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2003

-- Features 750CXe Processor and flexible SO-DIMM Memory

-- SO-DIMM socket supports interchangeable SDRAM modules

-- Adjustable processor speed for reduced power consumption

-- Highly versatile GT-64260B system controller

In support of its growing customer base in edge and enterprise-level communications systems, SBS Technologies(R) (Nasdaq: SBSE) today introduced its most flexible and affordable PrPMC board to date. The new PowerPC-based Palomar 500, featuring the IBM 750CXe PowerPC processor and flexible SO-DIMM memory, offers an unprecedented level of modularity, scalability and flexibility to SBS' Palomar line of high-performance PrPMCs.

SBS customers can integrate Palomar 500 into high-performance, low-power systems such as edge access devices and network storage servers. System developers can take advantage of the Palomar 500's configurable SO-DIMM memory system and adjustable core speed to optimize performance and power consumption for particular application requirements.

"It is vital for our customers to be able to turn to SBS for a modular, scalable and feature-flexible product portfolio as they move forward with exciting new products and legacy upgrades," said Dan Moore, president of SBS Technologies' Communications and Enterprise Group. "Our PrPMC boards enable our customers to deliver a low-power and cost-competitive solution. Palomar 500 directly addresses these key customer needs."

The Palomar line is designed to meet the growing demand for PrPMCs as a modular approach to managing CPU horsepower, allowing system designers to add functionality incrementally. The Palomar 500 is ideal for communications systems designers working under power and budget constraints.

Palomar 500 includes a PowerPC 750CXe with an integrated 256 KB L2 cache clocked at 133 MHz (400 core) but can be reduced to 100 MHz (300 MHz core) to decrease power consumption.

To maximize the memory options and increase the general flexibility of Palomar 500, the board is designed using a low-profile 144-pin SO-DIMM socket that supports interchangeable "laptop-style" SDRAM modules ranging in density from 64 to 512 MB. This allows for a variety of memory options to be added incrementally depending on application requirements. The SO-DIMM memory supports ECC or non-ECC modules and operates at frequencies up to 133 MHz. The board is designed to meet NEBS shock and vibration requirements using the SO-DIMM technology.

The versatile GT64260B system controller on the Palomar 500 not only serves as a PCI bridge from the processor to the PCI bus and host board, but also serves as a CPU bus interface, memory controller, Ethernet controller and RS-232 serial controller. Palomar 500 features 4, 8 or 16 MB of Strataflash, two RS-232 channels, and one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet via a front panel RJ-45 connector.

Pricing & Availability

OEM volume pricing is under $800 for 256 MB SDRAM. Palomar 500 is available with a variety of memory configurations and other options to meet price and performance requirements. More information regarding the Palomar 500 can be viewed at http://www.sbs.com/palomar500.

About SBS Technologies

SBS Technologies Inc., founded in 1986, designs and builds open architecture embedded computer products that enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to serve the commercial, communications, enterprise and government markets. SBS products are integrated into a variety of applications, including communication networking, medical imaging, industrial automation and military systems. The portfolio includes an extensive line of CPU boards, computer interconnections, avionics, telemetry, and fully integrated systems and enclosures. Headquartered in Albuquerque, SBS maintains eight primary operating locations, has regional sales offices throughout the United States and has international sales offices in four countries. More information on SBS is available at www.sbs.com.

This new product announcement contains forward-looking statements concerning SBS' product strategy, technology capability, competitive leadership, product capabilities, and the timing of introduction of new products and services. These statements reflect the perspectives and expectations of SBS management as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risk factors, including sales and product strategy within SBS; changes in the general economy and in SBS' business, including disruptions of cash flow that may impact investment in research and development activities; changes in demand for SBS' products; technological difficulties and resource constraints encountered in developing new products; the impact of rapid technological and market change; availability of qualified personnel; and other risk factors listed from time to time in SBS' SEC reports, including those listed under "Risk Factors" in SBS' Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports.