Xicor Targets Low-Cost High-Security Applications with a New Smart Card and Chip.

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 1997--

-- High-Security Device Targets Ultra Price Sensitive Designs

-- Two Wire Interface Reduces Package Size for Portable Products

XICOR, Inc. (NASDAQ: XICO) today announced its X76F100 SerialFlash(TM) memory which is a secure EEPROM chip that is tailored for low-cost high-security applications. The 896-bit device offers a very high level of security through the use of a 64-bit password that guards read access and a second 64-bit password that guards write access.

This new device uses a 1Mbps two-wire interface to achieve an ultra small package size which is important for portable products. The chip is fabricated with an advanced low power technology that extends battery life.

The X76F100 is sold as a chip or embedded in a Smart Card with custom printing that gives OEMs and VARs an integrated building block for secure applications in telecommunications, transportation, elec- tronic ticketing, identification, etc.

The X76F100 features a retry circuit that allows eight password attempts before clearing the memory, making it very tamper resistant.

According to Gary Craig, Director, Product Marketing, "We designed this new device to help our customers strike the proper balance between memory density and price in their designs. Our customers have indicated that they have many applications in need of a device with this particular combination of price and density."

The new chip contains several features that make it ideal for battery powered applications. The low standby current (1uA) and the ability to operate down to 3.0V help extend battery life. The fast 1Mbps interface reduces the actual "on time" period during reads (and writes) which further extends battery life.

Two Way Security

The chip uses two different passwords to protect its memory. A 64-bit password must be loaded and verified by the chip before each read access, while a separate 64-bit password must be loaded and verified before each write access. When combined with the chip's 10- millisecond verification period, each 64-bit password would require about five billion years to defeat.

Chip Applications

The new chip is targeted for applications that need to secure small amounts of data such as security codes or ID numbers. For instance, the new chip could be used to "lock" the ID number in a cellular telephone to prevent unauthorized cloning of the telephone.

Card Applications

The 896-bit smart card is ideal for sensitive applications that store only small amounts of data. For example, employee security cards only need enough memory to hold a name and an ID code. Customer loyalty cards and vending machine applications do not need high density since they only hold an ID number and the remaining dollar balance left on the card.

Card Applications

Customer Membership Programs

Store personalized customer information, buying history, bonus

points, frequent buyer programs or special payment coupons for

continued service and customer satisfaction.

Cellular Telephones

Provides secure calling, billing and personal phone number data

in smart cards for convenience and for protection from theft and

unauthorized access.

Gaming Cards

Eliminates the handling of coins and currency in casino games

for customer convenience and lower operating cost. Provides

better customer security of funds, records play patterns and

insures confidentiality.

Vending Machine Cards

Offers an ideal solution for vending machine transactions,

reduces the cost of collections and the handling of currency.

Provides better security for the customer and reduces theft.

Electronic Tickets

Provides easy prepayment electronic ticket systems for public

transportation, tolls and parking, and adds the ability to

gather travel and frequency of use patterns for providing better

customer service and security.

Personal Identification

Enhances personal identification badges and cards, drivers

licenses, student body cards with the addition of more secure

electronically stored information.

Access Keys

Limits and controls access to computers, offices, files,

electronic systems and buildings and homes.

Set Top Boxes

Provides enhanced pay TV systems with electronic security, pay

per view movies, games, video shopping and personal data

communications with a service provider.

Availability and Price

The new chip and smart card are sampling now with production in the first quarter of 1998. The chip is available in 8pin SOIC (Small Outline IC). The following prices are for quantities of 10,000.

X76F100

PDIP  $0.65

SOIC $0.65

MSOP  $0.68

X76F100Y (Smart Card) $1.30

-0- Reader Contact

Gary Craig, Director, Product Marketing, Xicor, Inc., 1511 Buckeye Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035. Telephone: [phone], X3549 E-mail: [e-mail] Web site: http://www.xicor.com

Company Background

Xicor designs, develops, manufactures and sells nonvolatile in- the-system programmable products which retain information even when system power is turned off or is lost inadvertently. Xicor's product line includes advanced and standard EEPROMs, EEPOT digitally controlled potentiometers, Secure SerialFlash(TM) memories, various memory and secure Smart Cards, and nonvolatile SRAMs.

In-the-system programmability benefits communications, consumer, computer, office automation, industrial, automotive and military products by adding advanced capabilities. Such capabilities include a much reduced design verification cycle, faster introduction to the market, easy adaptability to changing software and operating environments at the point of use, data security, remote maintainability, and personalization by the user. Many of Xicor's products consume little power, operate well from low voltage battery power sources, and come in small packages making them ideal for hand- held and portable applications.

Xicor products are sold worldwide and are supported by technically staffed offices located in Asia, Europe, Japan and North America. Headquartered in Milpitas, California, Xicor holds the Underwriters Laboratories Certification of Compliance with the ISO 9001 quality standard and the joint automotive QS 9000 quality standard certification.

Xicor's product, corporate and financial information is readily accessible on the World Wide Web at http://www.xicor.com, or by fax request to 408 432-0640. Acronyms that are also used for the products mentioned above include E2PROMs, E2PROM, eeprom, eePROM electrically eraseable PROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM, E2POT digitally controlled potentiometers, E2POT (R), Nonvolatile RAM, NOVRAMs, NVRAMs.

CONTACT: Xicor, Inc.

Gary Craig, 408/432-8888, X3549

Fax: [phone]

or

Curtis & Associates

Curtis Panasuk, 415/594-4800