FREMONT, Calif., -- June 22, 1998 -- Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS)today announced Microsoft Windows CE driver support for its highly-successful CrystalLan™ embedded Ethernet controller. With its small-form-factor, low-power consumption, and Windows CE support, the CS8900 now gives OEMs the ideal embedded Ethernet solution for next-generation network computers, handheld PCs (HPCs), Internet access devices and other Windows CE-based computing platforms. The combination of Cirrus Logic's CS8900 and Windows CE enables manufacturers to address the market demand for low-cost, robust solutions that take advantage of the high speed and convenience of Ethernet network connections for data gathering and control applications.

"Windows CE is rapidly becoming the operating system of choice for computing systems such as HPCs, thin client systems and emerging set-top terminals," said Mike Press, marketing manager for Cirrus Logic's Communications Division. "The addition of a Windows CE driver for the CS8900 allows both new and existing customers to benefit from the convenience and speed of Ethernet network connections in their next-generation products."

Industry Proven Success

The CS8900, with more than 50 design wins for products such as set-top boxes, industrial telemetry and Internet appliances, is quickly becoming the de-facto industry standard Ethernet controller in embedded applications, shipping over one million units in fiscal 1998. In fact, the field-proven CS8900 is currently being used by the top five set-top box manufacturers in North America and Europe. In addition, because of its exceptional reliability the CS8900 has also been designed into more than 20 non-traditional networking applications such as Internet phones, industrial controllers, CNC machines and even undersea data gathering equipment. The device has been successfully mated to a number of different processors and bus architectures including x86, SH-3, Power PC and MIPS as well as ARM-based chip solutions such as Cirrus Logic's PS7XXX system-on-chip family members.

The CS8900 combines the size, features, power and driver support to provide the most comprehensive and cost-effective solution to manufacturers. The highly-integrated CS8900 eliminates the need for costly external components required by many other Ethernet controllers and allows system engineers to design a complete Ethernet circuit that occupies less than 1.5 square inches of valuable board space. The device includes on-chip RAM, 10Base-T transmit and receive filters and a direct ISA-Bus interface with 24mA drivers. The chip also features the unique PacketPage architecture, which automatically adapts to changing network traffic patterns and available system resources. The CS8900's on-chip filters eliminate the need for external filters and reduces the difficulty of passing EMI tests. Full duplex operation is also supported.

Pricing and Availability

Packaged in a 100-pin TQFP, the CS8900 is priced at $9.95 in quantities of 1,000. For more information contact your local Cirrus Logic sales office or distributor. The Windows CE driver for the CS8900 is available free of charge to OEMs. For details, send email to ethernet@crystal.cirrus.com.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of system-level integrated circuits that demand high-performance mixed-signal processing. The company applies its system expertise to enable high-volume applications in data storage, networking, and multimedia for both computing and consumer electronics markets as well as ultra-precision data acquisition applications for industrial automation and instrumentation markets.

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