ZiLOG Launches New OTP Microcontrollers Optimized for Universal Remote Control Applications.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calf.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2004

Crimzon ZLP32300 Offers Comprehensive Solution with Global Code

Database, Application Firmware and Multiple Memory Sizes

ZiLOG, Inc. (Nasdaq:ZILG), the creator of the Z80 microprocessor and a leading innovator of integrated 8-bit microcontrollers and universal remote control solutions, today announced the launch of its new Z8 one-time programmable (OTP) IR microcontrollers targeted at the universal remote control market. The Crimzon ZLP32300 microcontrollers are available immediately and are 100 percent software compatible with ZiLOG's current Crimzon family of ROM-based IR microcontrollers.

Based on the popular Z8 core and built around CISC architecture, the ZLP32300, provides a stable base platform allowing rapid development, small-volume production and a migration path to mask ROM for high volume production of remote controls.

The new family of microcontrollers offers a choice of 8, 16 or 32 KB of OTP memory, allowing remote control designers to choose a solution that offers the right combination of memory space and affordability. The included robust database provides coding for multiple devices and geographies to provide the highest level of design flexibility. The devices also feature embedded remote control firmware which enables features to be designed quickly and easily on designer's remote control devices. The ZLP32300 is geared towards remote control and keyboard use as well as other consumer, battery-powered handheld devices.

ZiLOG's low and high voltage detection flag feature enables OEMs to add a low-battery warning capability to their universal remote controls, to warn consumers to change the batteries in their remote before program settings are lost due to power failure. Current solutions only allow low-voltage detection where the system does not know if the battery has been replaced or not. Other features include 237 bytes of general purpose RAM, six priority interrupts (three external, two counters and timers, and one low-voltage detection interrupt) and two independent comparators with programmable interrupt polarity.

The roll out of the ZLP32300 follows comprehensive testing since engineering samples were shipped to ZiLOG customers in September 2003.

"The initial feedback from the market place has been excellent, endorsing ZiLOG's position as a market leader in universal remote control solutions," said Adam Silver, vice president of Consumer Solutions at ZiLOG. "By offering a comprehensive system solution that includes silicon, global code database, firmware and engineering services, the ZLP32300 family enables customers to focus on capturing as many lucrative business opportunities in the universal remote control market as possible by allowing rapid time to market."

The ZLP32300 is supported by the ZLR16300, offering 16k of ROM, with a 32k ROM version (ZLR32300) to follow. Also available will be the Z8Crimzon(TM) RC ZLP32300 Development Platform and Z8Crimzon(TM) ZLP32300 In-Circuit Emulator.

"We have found that the robustness and key features of the Crimzon ZLP32300 dovetails perfectly with our business requirements and enables us to achieve our goals," said Manuch Dizechi, vice president of Engineering at SMK. "In a fast-moving business environment, the ZLP32300 allows us to bring our remote controls to market rapidly, while keeping both the development process and the resulting product affordable."

The ZLP32300 will be available in a wide range of package styles and pin-outs, including a 20-pin or 28-pin DIP, SOIC or SSOP; a 40-pin PDIP; or a 48-pin SSOP. The ZLP32300 is 100 percent backward compatible to ZiLOG's L88/L81/L98 microcontrollers. The devices are priced at $1.50 in 10,000 unit volumes for the 32K device.

About ZiLOG, Inc.

ZiLOG, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZILG) is a global supplier of 8-bit micro logic devices. It designs, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of devices for embedded control and communication applications used in consumer electronics, home appliances, security systems, point of sales terminals, personal computer peripherals, as well as industrial and automotive applications. ZiLOG is headquartered in San Jose, California, and employs approximately 670 people worldwide with sales offices throughout Asia, Europe and North America. For more information about ZiLOG and our products, visit the Company's website at: http://www.ZiLOG.com.

ZiLOG, Crimzon ZLP32300, Z8, ZLR16300 and ZLR32300 are trademarks or registered trademarks of ZiLOG, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. Other product and or service names mentioned herein may be trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.