Cypress Introduces Industry's First Motherboard Clock To Support Multiple Processors and Chipsets

Business Wire, May 3, 2006

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Innovative Universal Clock, Designed in Cooperation with Motherboard Leader ASUSTeK, Reduces Inventory Requirements, Supplier Risks and Design Time

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:CY), a world leader in timing technology solutions, today introduced the industry's first personal computer motherboard clock generator that supports multiple processors and chipsets. Cypress's new Universal Clock Generator supplies timing signals for both Intel(R) P4 processors and AMD K8 and next-generation processors, along with multiple chipsets from Intel, VIA, and Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS). Users can choose the processor and chipset to support through pin selections on the device.

The new CY28551 device offers a number of advantages over clock solutions designed specifically for a processor and chipset combination. Motherboard manufacturers can greatly simplify their inventory requirements, and can make adjustments to their product mix without the need for a different clock if a chipset or processor is in short supply. In addition, designers can transfer the same design and layout from one system to another using the new universal clock, reducing risk and saving design time and resources.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc., the world's leading provider of motherboards and notebooks, worked with Cypress on the design of the new clock. ASUSTeK offered motherboard expertise, helping Cypress to define the part for maximum flexibility and performance.

"We have seen convergence in clock architectures supporting multiple chipsets and platforms, driven by newer standards such as PCI Express," said S.Y. Shian, associate vice president of ASUSTeK. "The Universal Clock is a versatile solution that leverages this trend, easing the process of board layout, termination and impedance matching over a variety of platforms. As the worldwide leader in motherboards, ASUSTeK is taking advantage of these features with new boards in development today."

"The motherboard expertise and market knowledge of ASUSTeK was instrumental in bringing this innovative solution to market," said Geoff Charubin, managing director of Cypress's PC Clock business unit. "We'd like to thank ASUSTeK for its collaboration, and we look forward to a strong partnership as ASUSTeK brings leading-edge motherboards to market utilizing the Universal Clock."

The combinations of processors and chipsets supported by the Universal Clock appear below:

------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Processor
          ------------------------------------------------------------
                       P4                             K8
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chipset
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Intel     965(G, GC, GF, P), 948                   --------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VIA       PT890, PT890 Pro, PM890       K8M890, K8T890Pro, K8T890,
                                        K8T900, K8N890
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SiS       656, 656(FX, MX), 662,        756FX, 761GX, 770
          670, 649MX
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Product Features

The new device offers a variety of features, including:

--Easy configuration via hardware strapping

--Low power consumption for laptop applications

--Overclocking support for end-user modifications

--Low-power differential buffers for lower noise and better performance

--Watchdog timer with system reset for auto-reboot

"The Universal Motherboard Clock is a solution that showcases our strengths in this market segment -- system expertise, a broad and deep technical base, and excellent customer relationships," said Elie Ayache, Cypress's marketing director for PC Clocks. "Working with a leader such as ASUSTeK has enabled us to introduce a ground-breaking product that meets the needs of next-generation PC system design."

Availability

The Universal Clock is offered in a 64-pin QFN package (CY28551) and a 56-pin QFN (CY28551-3). High-volume pricing will be competitive with clocks designed specifically for processor/chipset combinations. Samples of the new devices are available now, with full production expected later this month. A high-resolution image of the new product can be downloaded at www.cypress.com/universal-clock-photo.> About ASUSTeK

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (TSE:2357) is a leading provider of 3C total solutions. Its product portfolio includes notebooks, motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, information appliances, desktop PCs, servers, wireless solutions, mobile phones and networking devices. With world-class engineering and offices and subsidiaries located in all corners of the world, ASUSTeK provides innovative solutions to consumers, businesses and OEM/ODM customers. The company is the perennial leader of the motherboard and graphics card industries and a top 10 player globally for notebooks, optical drives, broadband modems and a wide range of other products.