PMC Launches Clock Managers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- PMC-Sierra™, Inc. (NASDAQ: PMCS) today introduced the industry's first high-performance, advanced Clock Management (CLKÔ) products tailored for MIPS-based(TM) open architecture systems. Clock management products have been deployed for many years, but the steady increase of microprocessor performance has driven up operating frequencies, causing a break down of traditional timing technology. To address higher frequency requirements, PMC-Sierra has applied its leading-edge MIPS-based microprocessors and mixed-signal circuits to provide optimized clock management solutions for next generation MIPS-based platforms such as printers, set-top boxes, advanced consumer applications and routers.

PMC-Sierra's CLK family includes two categories - Flexible Clock Generators and Low-Skew Buffers. Flexible Clock Generators include spread spectrum technology and provide clocking for a broad set of applications by allowing selection of multiple clock frequencies. Low-Skew Buffers provide buffering of outputs for applications that require more copies of signals than are provided by the flexible clock generators. PMC-Sierra's CLK products are the CM5371 GEN-M7K Flexible Clock Generator, CM5391L GEN-M9K Flexible Clock Generator, and CM74CB218 LSB-2x9 Low-Skew Buffer. The CLK products are compatible with PMC-Sierra's MIPS-based microprocessors, the 200 to 900 MHz RM7000 and RM5200 product families, as well as the 1GHz RM9000Ô product family. Lead-free packaging is available for all CLK products to support the "Green" electronic initiatives.

"We are first to market with a clock management solution specifically optimized for MIPS-based systems. Our mixed-signal and digital teams applied their extensive analog and systems knowledge to the silicon timing market and as a result we are launching a series of clock management devices to increase reliability and performance of MIPS-based equipment," said Steve Perna, vice president and general manager of PMC-Sierra's Service Provider Division.

Optimized CLK Solution Provides Space, Cost and Power Savings for MIPS-based Systems

Applying PMC-Sierra's extensive knowledge and innovation results in optimized CLK solutions providing space, cost and power savings of over 50 percent compared to previous solutions as shown in PMC-Sierra's MIPS-based microprocessor evaluation platform, Jaguar-ATX.

"The MIPS advantage is an open, flexible architecture ideally suited for multiple markets. At PMC-Sierra we are committed to delivering 64-bit, MIPS-based RISC microprocessors designed with pin-compatible scalability, best-in-class price and power performance ratios, and small footprint. Our new clock management products extend our company's commitment to our MIPS-based system customers," said Tom Riordan, vice president and general manager of PMC-Sierra's Microprocessor Products Division.

Spread Spectrum Functionality Reduces EMI - Provides Industry Compliance

Integrated spread spectrum functionality in the CLK devices lowers the level of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in a system, providing a significant tool in complying with radiation emissions rules, like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Class B. While high microprocessor operating frequencies provide increased system performance benefits these high clock frequencies increase the level of EMI if not attended to.

PMC-Sierra Inc.