Conexant Launches Industry's Highest Performance Family of Home Network Processors

Business Wire, March 18, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2003

Advanced ARM Core With Integrated Memory Management Unit Enables

200-300 MHz Operation on Multiple Operating Systems

Conexant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, today launched a family of high-performance home network processors (HNPs) for broadband gateways and wide area network (WAN) access applications.

In a broadband gateway application, the CX8611x family enables secure, high-speed Internet access sharing for multiple personal computers (PCs) while supporting Ethernet, universal serial bus (USB), HomePNA, HomePlug, IEEE 802.11a/b/g and other local area network (LAN) media. For WAN access, the CX8611x supports all broadband technologies including digital subscriber line (DSL), cable and Ethernet.

Based on an ARM926EJ-S processor, the CX8611x family includes two devices that operate at 200 MHz and 300 MHz, respectively. Also included is a memory management unit (MMU) that supports major operating systems such as Linux, VxWorks and Windows CE.NET.

"The integration of key communications access technologies with our processor platforms enables us to support a wide variety of broadband gateway solutions, and further expand our leadership position in home network processors," said Chee Kwan, vice president of Broadband Access Products for Conexant's Broadband Communications segment.

"Our new home network processor family supports high-speed and secure wireless connectivity applications, including those based on 802.11a/b/g protocols, as well as demanding performance-based applications such as voice over Internet Protocol and high-speed virtual private network applications. This flexibility is particularly important to our customers as it enables them to leverage a single platform across many differentiated products."

The CX8611x includes an advanced encryption engine for high-speed, secure virtual private network (VPN) applications. The device also has a USB host capability, and can be used to deliver broadband gateways with advanced printer server functionality or connectivity to USB devices. In addition to data broadband gateways, the CX8611x's voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) support makes it ideal for VoIP gateways or VoIP phones, supporting one or more lines.

Conexant is the worldwide market share leader in network management and security semiconductor solutions for the broadband digital home through its family of home network processors. The company's home networking products include network processors and LAN solutions for residential gateway architectures supporting bridging, routing, security and wireless functionality.

Conexant's product offering addresses the entire spectrum of broadband access applications from basic data connectivity to advanced, high speed, and secure voice and data networks.

Pricing and Availability

The CX86111 200 MHz processor is packaged in a 256-pin fine pitch ball grid array (FPBGA). Sample quantities will be available in the second calendar quarter, with volume production scheduled for the third quarter of 2003. The CX86111 is priced at $15 in quantities of 10,000. The CX86113 300 MHz processor is packaged in a 324-pin FPBGA, and includes advanced features such as a USB host and support for VoIP. Sample quantities will be available later this year.

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 is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. To learn more, visit us at www.conexant.com or www.mindspeed.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains statements relating to future results of Conexant (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the company's and its customers' products; demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; successful development of new products; the timing of new product introductions; the availability of manufacturing capacity; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; changes in product mix; product obsolescence; the ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for the related intellectual property; the successful implementation of the company's expense reduction and restructuring initiatives; the successful separation of the company's Broadband Communications and Mindspeed Technologies(TM) businesses; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and the uncertainties of litigation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.