Microtune Announces Joint Development Agreement With Cisco to Deliver High-Speed Cable Internet and Cable Telephony Solutions

Business Wire, June 26, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2000

Microtune(TM), a leading supplier of highly-integrated RF broadband solutions, today announced a joint development program with Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSCO) to develop RF solutions for next-generation cable Internet access and telephony products that incorporate silicon-based tuner 'gateway' technology.

The program is part of Microtune's and Cisco's efforts to enable technology-leading, standards-based solutions that provide higher-performance, lower-cost and more reliable implementation in the delivery of high-speed data access and voice applications via two-way broadband cable.

Under the agreement, Cisco will work with Microtune to define and commercialize its next generation of silicon-based broadband tuner solutions. These tuner integrated circuits (ICs), called MicroTuners, will be engineered specifically to deliver the performance, functionality and low power required for voice-over-cable applications, supporting the PacketCable(TM) IP telephony specifications, while still enabling two-way, interoperable DOCSIS-based cable modems. Slated for production in 2001, the MicroTuners will provide the RF component in products that support Cisco's end-to-end, value-added IP network solutions.

"Cisco is working with Microtune to draw on its expertise in broadband tuner design for our next-generation cable modem products," said Steve Nevalsky, senior manager of engineering in Cisco's Cable Business Unit. "New World services such as Voice-over-IP are enabled with this innovative single chip tuner technology due to its lower power consumption and high reliability."

"Through this joint development agreement, and in keeping with our mission to provide the technology that enables broadband delivery of video, data and voice applications, Microtune is expanding our relationship with industry leaders," said Douglas J. Bartek, CEO and Chairman of Microtune. "This market will continue to grow as consumers are offered new Internet access and telephone alternatives to existing delivery methods, and we are pleased to be working with Cisco to realize its potential. Cisco has been an early adopter of our technology, and now through this joint development initiative, we are enabling the next generation of cable-based products using the Microtune silicon-based tuners. Our mutual goal is to develop products that continue to expand the marketplace, set the pace for technology innovation and bring our customers competitive advantages."

Today's announcement builds on Microtune's existing relationship with Cisco. Microtune currently provides the 4737 RF Tuner Module as the tuner-receiver core of the CableLabs(R) Certified(TM) Cisco uBR924 cable access router. The uBR924 is a fully integrated Cisco IOS(R) software-based router and DOCSIS 1.1 standard-based cable modem. With its integrated Voice-over-IP (VoIP), Virtual Private Network (VPN) and router functionality, it is designed to deliver feature-rich broadband access to telecommuter, small-office and small-branch-office customers.

Microtune will deliver its 4937 RF Tuner Module for Cisco's next-generation of cable access routers. Offering a more highly-integrated and more complete RF front-end solution, these plug-in modules feature a tuner integrated with the diplexer, power amplifier, Intermediate Frequency (IF) amplifier and SAW filter.

ABOUT MICROTUNE

Microtune Inc. is an innovative RF silicon and systems company that designs, manufactures and markets high-performance 'gateway' tuner-receiver solutions for use in cable modems, set-top boxes, PC multimedia, TV/DTV and other consumer appliances. Inventors of the MicroTuner single-chip broadband tuner, the company currently holds seven patents for its RF-IC technology, with an additional sixteen pending approval, containing a total of more than 1000 supporting claims. Founded in 1996, Microtune is a privately-held international company, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with key design, manufacturing and sales centers located around the world. The Web site is www.microtune.com

EDITORS NOTE:

Microtune, MicroTuner and MicroModule are trademarks of Microtune, Inc.