Conexant Announces Agreement With Intersil for 802.11 Wireless LAN Technology

Business Wire, Sept 3, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 2002

Technology Will Accelerate Roadmap for Integrated WLAN Solutions

in DSL, Cable and Home Networking Chip Sets

Conexant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, and Intersil Corp. (Nasdaq:ISIL), a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance analog and wireless networking solutions, today announced a memorandum of understanding under which Intersil will provide Conexant with its PRISM(R) Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless local area network (WLAN) technology for integration into Conexant's next-generation digital subscriber line (DSL) modems, cable modems and home networking chip sets.

Integrating Intersil's WLAN technology into Conexant's semiconductor products will allow consumers to avoid the expense, time and trouble of having to purchase an add-in WLAN network interface card or a separate WLAN access point. This reduces the complexity and cost of WLAN solutions and further accelerates the proliferation of wireless networking in home and small office environments. Potential applications include adding wireless access points to DSL and cable modems to enable file sharing, voice over IP, video and digital media delivery in home, gaming and wireless Web browsing applications.

"The addition of Wi-Fi (802.11b) to our technology portfolio will enable us to offer DSL modems, cable modems and home network processor solutions with integrated wireless local area network functionality," said F. Matthew Rhodes, president of Conexant's Broadband Communications Segment.

"Intersil's PRISM WLAN chip set is widely recognized as the world's leading silicon solution for wireless networking systems. Combining their WLAN technology into our broadband products provides our customers with highly integrated, cost-effective WLAN solutions ranging from embedded wireless access points to integrated access platforms. This will facilitate expanded service offerings, and provide end-users with a new level of convenience in their broadband experience."

According to Gartner Dataquest, an industry analyst firm, the total worldwide market for WLAN equipment intended for PC and personal digital assistant connectivity is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 22 percent to almost $3.4 billion by 2005.

"The demand for integrated WLAN solutions, such as those Conexant will offer, is growing at a rapid rate. We're pleased that Conexant has selected our PRISM WLAN technology for integration into their next-generation DSL modems, cable modems and home networking chip sets," said Larry Ciaccia, vice president and general manager of Intersil's Wireless Networking Product Group.

"Intersil is committed to providing our customers a complete, quickly deployable solution that enables them to bring reliable, high-quality and cost-efficient WLAN products to market before their competitors start their designs."

About 802.11b

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11b worldwide standard enables cost-effective, high-speed wireless connections between the Internet and broadband gateways, computers, set-top boxes and other devices. Once tested and certified for interoperability by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), 802.11b-compliant products will feature the Wi-Fi symbol on an end product providing assurance to buyers that it will work with Wi-Fi certified systems of other vendors.

About Conexant

Conexant Systems, Inc., a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, leverages its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products through two separate businesses.

The Broadband Communications business develops and delivers integrated solutions that enable digital entertainment and information networks for the home and small office. Mindspeed Technologies(TM), the company's Internet infrastructure business, designs, develops and sells a complete portfolio of semiconductor networking solutions that facilitate the aggregation, transmission and switching of data, video and voice from the edge of the Internet to linked metropolitan area networks.

Conexant, headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., delivered revenues of $1.1 billion for fiscal 2001. The company is a member of the Nasdaq-100 market index. To learn more, visit us at www.conexant.com or www.mindspeed.com.

Intersil Elantec Means More for Our Customers

Intersil is a global semiconductor leader in the design and manufacture of high performance analog and wireless networking solutions. The acquisition of Elantec Semiconductor, Inc. expanded Intersil's product portfolios to address four fast growing markets -- flat panel displays, optical storage (CD and DVD recordable), power management and wireless networking. Intersil brings added customer value in providing complete silicon, software and reference design solutions to new products that enhance the computing experience for people wherever they live, work or travel. For more information about Intersil or to find out how to become a member of our winning team, visit the company's Web site and career page at www.intersil.com.