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MIPS Technologies Unveils Silicon-Proven Hi-Fi Audio Playback IP With Lowest Power Consumption Available

Audio IP Offers High Performance, Maximum Battery Life, Low Risk for Next-Generation SoCs

LISBON, Portugal, May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIPS), a leading provider of industry-standard architectures, processors and analog IP for digital consumer, home networking, wireless, communications and business applications, today announced that its Hi-Fi Audio Codec IP platform has achieved the world's lowest known power consumption for Hi-Fi audio playback, while reaching superior performance of 100dB dynamic range. The new CI7824sm Audio Codec sets a new standard for Hi-Fi performance at ultra low-power. Already silicon-proven in multiple processes and foundries, including TSMC 90nm, it is now also silicon-proven with first-pass success in Fujitsu 90nm.

The new Audio Codec IP achieves an impressive 100dB dynamic range and -93dB THD while consuming only 7.8mW power when playing back through stereo line outputs at 48kHz. Further power savings of 5.5mW can be achieved by lowering the supply to 2.5V while keeping the performance at 97.5dB dynamic range and -90dB THD. This is the lowest known power consumption for above-96dB rated performance. The product also features one of the richest set of audio functions available, including phantom ground, microphone bias, clock generation with built-in audio PLL and dual loudspeakers-making it the perfect choice for applications requiring the highest Hi-Fi audio performance at the lowest area and cost.

MIPS' Hi-Fi Audio IP is the world's first true above-96dB Hi-Fi quality, ultra low-power and compact audio IP to be silicon-proven in deep submicron processes, enabling SoC developers to dramatically reduce risk, cost and time-to-market. The IP platform maximizes battery life in next-generation consumer electronic devices with audio functionality, including CDs, mini-disks, multi-format and DVD players and recorders, PMPs, PDAs and GPS handheld devices, as well as cellular and smart phones. MIPS Technologies' Audio Solutions are among the most complete and high-performing family of portable, easy-to-integrate audio IP cores on the market, and are available at major foundries across multiple process technologies.

"As system developers continue to embrace analog audio IP as opposed to standalone chips in response to short product life cycles and demand for continuous innovation, MIPS is at the leading edge of technology with proven IP that is easy to integrate onto an SoC or SiP," said Nuno Ramalho, vice president of Audio and Power Solutions, Analog Business Group, MIPS Technologies. "We have invested considerable resources over the years to develop unique audio functionality and reach high performance levels to enable de facto competitive differentiation. Silicon-proven in leading foundries and processes, our Audio IP platform dramatically reduces customer risk."

About MIPS Technologies, Inc.

MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NasdaqGS: MIPS) is the world's second largest semiconductor design IP company and the number one analog IP company worldwide. With more than 250 customers around the globe, MIPS Technologies is the only company that provides a combined portfolio of processors, analog IP and software tools for the embedded market. The company powers some of the world's most popular products for the digital entertainment, home networking, wireless, and portable media markets-including broadband devices from Linksys, DTVs and digital consumer devices from Sony, DVD recordable devices from Pioneer, digital set-top boxes from Motorola, network routers from Cisco, 32-bit microcontrollers from Microchip Technology and laser printers from Hewlett-Packard. Founded in 1998, MIPS Technologies is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices worldwide. For more information, contact (650) 567-5000 or visit http://www.mips.com.

MIPS is a trademark or registered trademark in the United States and other countries of MIPS Technologies, Inc. Chipidea is a trademark or registered trademark in the United States and other countries of Chipidea-Microelectronica, S.A., Inc. All other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

Web site: http://www.mips.com//