Press Release

First Real Vendor Independent Audio Platform

Erlangen, Germany, 20 August 2001 - Fraunhofer Institute Integrated Circuits (Fraunhofer IIS) announces the first real vendor independent combined hardware/software platform for audio applications. This platform is intended for SOC (system on a chip) implementations. E.g. as one of the main building blocks in a digital radio system, portable audio player or telecommunication device. The platform combines a proven and configurable processor core and the distinct expertise of Fraunhofer IIS in audio coding technology. In contrast to off-the-shelf components like MP3 decoder ICs and to existing embedded solutions, this platform provides a very high level of flexibility and is fully independent of a specific chip vendor. This enables cost and time optimized system design and production.

The hardware part of the platform is based on the ARCtangent^TM-A4 (configurable processor core offered by ARC International plc ((LSE:ARK), trading through its subsidiaries as ARC Cores). This user-customizable processor core was chosen because of its availability in a high level hardware description language; therefore the processor core is independent of any specific ASIC foundry. Having access to the high level description, it is also rather easy to define an ideal hardware for the specific system requirements, to fine tune performance, power and area consumption and to integrate custom specific hardware on a single chip.

The audio software algorithms (software IPs) specially tailored for ARC's microprocessor are based on Fraunhofer IIS's fixed point reference CODECs. The available software IPs are designed for easy integration into our customers target application and design environment. All offered software IPs are based on a common set of target specific drivers. This requires minimum initial adaption of these drivers to the target system and enables the system integrator to switch between - or to support - multiple audio standards.

At present, the platform is configured to support different audio decoding standards like MPEG-2 AAC (Advanced Audio Coding, available today), MPEG Layer 3 (the famous 'MP3', available Q3/01). A migration path to the quality enhanced successors MP3PRO and AAC+SBR (aka AAC plus) is under consideration. Future versions include options for real time audio encoding and for video (H.263, MPEG-4 Simple Profile) or still image applications.

For additional information, please contact info@corepool.com, visit our Web site www.corepool.com/audio or mail to CorePool, Fraunhofer Institute Integrated Circuits, Am Wolfsmantel 33, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.

About Fraunhofer IIS:

Fraunhofer IIS located in Erlangen/Germany, is one of Europe's leading technology and vendor independent design facilities for the development of microelectronics, circuits and systems. In the field of high quality low bit-rate audio coding, it is the leader among the international research labs. Fraunhofer IIS has been the main developer of the most advanced audio coding schemes, like MPEG Layer-3 (MP3) and MPEG-2 AAC (Advanced Audio Coding).
The design expertise is complemented by in-depth system know-how in the area of multimedia, digital communication, image processing, automation and sensor systems. The IC-design services offered include high complexity digital designs in deep submicron, mixed signal design (macrocells, drive control, sensor signal processing), analog design (radio frequency area) and the IP program CorePool. FPGA based rapid prototyping, ASIC prototyping on multi project wafer and small volume ASIC production are offered as well. The Fraunhofer IIS's website is located at www.iis.fhg.de

About ARC International:

ARC International plc, is a leading designer and developer of customizable, high-performance microprocessor cores and related intellectual property technology for telecommunications, voice and data networking, and consumer electronics embedded systems. The ARCtangent^TM-A4 processor is an application specific processor (ASP) which can be customized for use in a wide variety of increasingly sophisticated products. The innovative configurability of the processor enables ARC to license its technology directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as to semiconductor merchant vendors. ARC's technology enables designers to reduce time to market and to work with the semiconductor manufacturers and technologies of their choice.
ARC's 56 licensees include: Austria Mikro Systeme, BrightCom, Chameleon Systems, Conexant Systems, Cypress Semiconductor, Fujitsu Microelectronics, Hyperchip, IBM, Infineon Technologies, Qlogic, RF Micro Devices, SanDisk, Texas Instruments, Vtech Communications and Xemics.
With headquarters in Elstree, England, ARC International plc and its group companies employ 235 people in research and development, sales, and marketing offices across North America and Europe. MetaWare Inc., Precise Software Technologies Inc. and VAutomation Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of ARC International, providing software development tools, hardware and software intellectual property and real time operating systems offering multiple integrated products for system on a chip development. ARC International plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ARK). The company's website is located at www.arc.com

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