Texas Instruments DSP-Based ADSL Technology Drives High-Speed Internet Access in IBM Aptivas - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, August 16, 1999

In a move that allows consumers to use a single existing home telephone line to send and receive phone calls while online, Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN; TI) Wednesday announced that IBM (NYSE: IBM) will include TI's world-leading digital signal processor (DSP)- based asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) technology on its award- winning line of Aptiva models 800 and 902 desktop PCs. (www.ti.com/sc/access and www.ibm.com/shop)

The Aptivas will allow consumers using the ADSL modem technology, based on TI's fully-programmable DSP-based ADSL chipset, to experience Internet connection speeds 25 to 100 times faster than today's V.90 or 56K analog modems. Users will enjoy the advantages of an "always-on," dedicated high- speed DSL Internet connection and can easily upgrade these Aptivas to higher speeds as they become available in their community through simple software upgrades.

"With the Internet becoming a critical part of a family's e-lifestyle, the need for higher speed connections is more important than ever," said Harry Nicol, general manager, IBM Consumer Systems. "The combination of IBM's PC leadership and Texas Instruments' expertise in ADSL technology helps make this a reality and adds to Aptiva's ability to deliver a better, easier and more fulfilling Internet experience."

"Aptivas using TI's DSP-based ADSL technology will enhance consumers' Internet experience and the way firms do business," said George Barber, vice president and general manager of TI's Broadband Access Group. "Consumers will now be able to more easily conduct e-commerce, telecommute to work, do Internet sharing, use video conferencing and more."

IBM's Aptivas will enjoy a competitive advantage enabled by TI's industry- leading portfolio of DSL patented technology that includes technology essential for meeting the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) T1.413 ADSL standard and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) G.992.2 and G.992.1 G.lite standards. Leveraging its TMS320C6000 core technology, TI's PCI solution uses a single DSP to support both G.lite and full-rate ADSL.

TI's ADSL PCI solution is the first ADSL modem solution to pass Microsoft's PC99 WHQL certification. The solution has also been verified to meet Microsoft standards for compatibility with Windows 98 and Windows NT Workstation 4.0.

Availability of Aptivas with TI's ADSL technology begins today via the ShopIBM Direct store. In order to bring ADSL solutions to market faster, IBM and TI are focused on the development and deployment of ADSL modem technology to deploy as quickly as possible. Looking ahead, IBM and TI plan to continue providing cost-effective, standards-based ADSL solutions to consumers who want high-speed Internet connectivity.

The worldwide leader and pioneer in digital signal processing solutions since 1982, Texas Instruments provides innovative DSP and mixed signal/analog technologies to more than 30,000 customers in the computer, wireless communications, networking, Internet, consumer, digital motor control and mass storage markets worldwide. To help customers get to market faster, TI offers easy-to-use development tools and extensive software and hardware support, further complemented by close to 300 third-party DSP solutions providers.

Texas Instruments Incorporated is a global semiconductor company and the world's leading designer and supplier of, digital signal processing and analog technologies, the engines driving and digitalization of electronics. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company's business also include materials and controls, educational and productivity solutions, and digital imaging. The company has manufacturing or sales operations in more than 25 countries.

Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com.