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CAMBRIDGE, England and FREIBURG, Germany, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- ARM (Nasdaq: ARMHY; London: ARM), the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC processor solutions, and Micronas (SWX: MASN; Neuer Markt Frankfurt: MNSN), a pioneer of solutions for MP3 players, today announced the extension of their license agreement for the ARM7TDMI® microprocessor core. The original agreement, which was announced in September 2000, targeted the ARM7TDMI core for automotive controller solutions. Micronas now also integrates the ARM7TDMI core in controller solutions aiming at consumer markets.

``ARM cores have become a standard embedded processor solution for a broad variety of applications where the ARM® core enjoys a high level of acceptance,'' said Hubertus von Janecek, marketing manager, Advanced Audio at Micronas. ``Zenon, Micronas' first ARM core-based consumer product, is a programmable system and security controller with USB interface aiming at the fast growing market for portable digital audio players and recorders with support of Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Secure Storage Media, for example the SD-Card.''

The high computing power of the ARM7TDMI core allows for audio data decompression as well as for encryption/decryption and watermarking screening. With on-chip flash memory, the Zenon offers flexibility in software development and upgrade in the highest level of security. The programmable USB interface allows fast and secure data communication between the PC and the device. Furthermore, Zenon with its high level of security features is also suitable for products in the markets of Pay TV, smart card applications, mobile E-commerce and health care.

``Micronas are a leading player in the portable digital audio market and we have welcomed this opportunity to be associated with their new product generation,'' said Steve Evans, VP, Segment Marketing at ARM. ``With its low-power consumption and efficient performance for digital audio decoding, the ARM7(TM) microprocessor family is an ideal fit for the handheld audio market. However, with the programmable USB interface and the security features designed-in, the Micronas device has the potential to be an active player in the new and emerging markets.''

ARM processors range in performance from 60 MHz (54 MIPS) to 300 MHz (400+ MIPS). The cores are noted for performance, small die size, low-power consumption, tight code density, and multiple supply sources. Instruction set compatibility between processor families promotes design reuse and reduces software development time.

About ARM

ARM is the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions. The company licenses its high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals, and system-on-chip designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming the volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications, hand-held computing, multimedia digital consumer and embedded solutions. More information on ARM is available at www.arm.com.

About Micronas

Micronas, a semiconductor company group with worldwide operations, is a leading supplier of cutting-edge IC and sensor system solutions for consumer electronics, multimedia and automotive electronics. The holding is headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland). Currently, the Micronas group employs over 1400 people. In 2000, it generated over CHF 490 Million in sales. For more information on Micronas and its products, please visit www.micronas.com

NOTE: ARM and ARM7TDMI are a registered trademarks of ARM Limited. ARM7 is a trademark of ARM Limited. ``ARM'' is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM, Inc.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan.

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