FREMONT, CA -- April 21, 1999 -- Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS) and Rockwell Automation, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, today announced a joint-development agreement to produce standard ARM processor-based system-on-chip solutions for industrial automation applications.

The agreement, which covers both hardware and software R&D, will leverage two major intellectual property (IP) pools: Rockwell Automation's global leadership in supplying industrial and automation controls for manufacturing and other processes; and, Cirrus Logic's expertise in system-on-a-chip integration, custom firmware development, and peripheral technology for industrial and other equipment markets. The alliance is expected to reduce design times and deliver whole new levels of performance, reliability, and space and cost savings for the next generation of industrial automation systems.

Cirrus Logic is known for its core competencies in ARM-based Application Specific Standard Product (ASSP) design, as well as proven expertise in partnering with electronics OEMs to produce system-level tailored solutions instead of just components.

"This relationship adds flexibility to our product development cycle which will help us rapidly respond to our customer needs with the highest quality products," says John McDermott, Rockwell Automation Senior Vice President, Motion and Information Group.

"Rockwell Automation occupies a strong leadership position in the worldwide industrial automation and controls marketplace. We believe this alliance will enable Cirrus Logic to expand its businesses in standard ARM-based system-on-chip solutions and in the thriving industrial applications arena overall," said Matthew Perry, vice president and general manager for Cirrus Logic's Embedded Products Division.

Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, a business of Rockwell International Corp. (NYSE: ROK), brings together leading brands in industrial automation, including Allen-Bradley controls, Reliance Electric power transmission products, Dodge mechanical power transmission components, and Rockwell Software.

Rockwell Automation's unique Complete Automation™ approach of helping customers achieve a competitive advantage is supported by thousands of authorized partners, distributors and system integrators around the world. For more information about Rockwell Automation products and services, point your Web browser to www.rockwellautomation.com.

Cirrus Logic

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of precision linear and advanced mixed-signal chip solutions. The company's products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable system-level applications in mass storage, audio and precision data conversion. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.