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SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2001-- (DesignCon)-Simpod Inc. (www.simpod.com), an EDA company in the embedded systems verification space, today announced that it is introducing its first MIPS Technologies (NASDAQ: MIPS, MIPSB - ) processor models for use with its DeskPODTM modeling and system verification system. DeskPOD now supports the verification of designs using MIPS32 4Kc(TM), 4Kp(TM) and 4Km(TM) processor cores, and the MIPS64 5Kc(TM) processor core.

DeskPOD is a desktop system that uses the actual silicon to provide cycle-accurate models for use with Verilog and VHDL simulators. Unlike software models, DeskPOD's modeling capability provides full functionality and software execution capability.

``DeskPOD users continue to demand models that support the most popular processors,'' noted Jason Andrews, Simpod's Vice President of Marketing. ``We added support for MIPS Technologies, because it is one of the world's leading providers of industry standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and networking applications.''

DeskPOD provides a unique HW/SW co-verification solution for MIPS-based(TM) cores that offers a cycle-accurate model that interfaces to the MULTIa Source-Level Debugger from Green Hills Software, Inc. This combination, along with DeskPOD's patented disengage mode, provides the fastest and most realistic software debugging environment available.

``Time-to-market is essential to the success of our customers,'' added Brian Knowles, Vice President of Marketing at MIPS. ``Embedded development tools such as DeskPOD are used by product developers to provide early insight into hardware and software interface problems, thereby reducing development risk.''

Simpod has become a member of MIPS Technologies' MIPS Alliance Program (MAP). The MAP provides members with broad marketing assistance, such as Internet and traditional marketing and promotional activities as well as sales and technical assistance. MAP also provides technical and development support including a developer's kit with a MIPS-based platform and documentation.

Hardware and Software Verification

DeskPOD is used during logic simulation by hardware engineers to verify ASIC and FPGA designs which interface to popular microprocessors, and by software designers for testing system initialization software, diagnostic software and device drivers.

Price and Availability

DeskPOD with MIPS processor modeling capability is available now. Pricing begins at $58,000 (USD).

More About DeskPOD

DeskPOD improves verification of embedded systems designs by using the actual processor silicon to model designs faster and more accurately. Multiple DeskPOD units can be incorporated into the verification process to deliver a complete board or system simulation environment. DeskPOD models are tightly coupled with today's most popular logic simulators including those from Cadence Design Systems (NYSE:CDN), Synopsys (NASDAQ:SNPS - ), Mentor Graphics (NASDAQ:MENT - news) and Fintronic USA.

About Simpod Inc.

Simpod Inc. (www.simpod.com) offers high-performance hardware modeling systems for use in the design and verification of digital electronic systems. The company's technologies are incorporated in its DeskPOD product for use in the design and verification of embedded systems.

For additional information about the company and its products, please visit their site at www.simpod.com.

Notes to editors: Graphics and/or photo available on request

Reader Service Information

Simpod Inc., 3080 Olcott Street, Suite 100A, Santa Clara, CA, 95054
Phone: (408) 330-9300, Fax: (408) 330-9301,
http://www.simpod.com, info@simpod.com

Acronyms:
ASIC              Application Specific Integrated Circuit
EDA               Electronic Design Automation
FPGA              Field Programmable Gate Array
HDL               Hardware Description Language
HW/SW             Hardware and Software

Simpod and DeskPOD are trademarks of Simpod Inc. MIPS is a registered trademark and MIPS64 are trademarks of MIPS Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks and tradenames are the properties of their respective holders.

     Simpod Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.
     Hideko Duscha, 408/330-9309
     hideko@simpod.com