Transmeta’s ‘Astro’ slated for September

Transmeta said it will release its next generation TM8000 processor (code-named Astro) in September 2003 with some of the first products debuting before the end of the year.

Transmeta Corporation  announced that its next generation TM8000 processor incorporates Low Pin Count (LPC) Flash technologies from Sharp Microelectronics and STMicroelectronics. Thesetechnologies bolster Transmeta’s goal of efficient computing by offering design flexibility, industry standard support and enhanced security.

LPC Flash allows for fewer signals and support components while enhancing design simplicity. Sharp, STMicroelectronics and Transmeta are combining the benefits of proven reliability with energyefficiency and competitive cost in new, 16-megabit density LPC technology products.

“Thanks to the collaboration with Transmeta’s TM8000 design team, we have fine tuned the LPC Flash specification,” said Giuseppe Crisenza, vice president of the memory products group atSTMicroelectronics. “The addition of the M50LPW116 makes ST the provider of a complete portfolio of Flash for computer applications ranging from high end servers and notebooks to low cost personalcomputers. We are committed to lead this market and to support highly innovative processor designers such as Transmeta.”

“Sharp is committed to supporting the needs of our chip customers by developing LPC Flash that are fast enough to support the design requirements of end applications,” said Mark Hampson, seniormanager of IC marketing, Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas. “Our space efficient, 32 pin TSOP meets the space requirements of the mobile computing marketplace.”

Part of an expanded family offering, the Sharp LHF00L01 and the STMicroelectronics M50LPW116 support Transmeta’s next generation, energy efficient TM8000 processor and are the first 16-megabitdevices in the market compliant with the new LPC standard. This technology is faster than existing serial Flash interfaces and provides security enhancements as it is connected and directlycontrolled by the TM8000 processor.

“The next generation TM8000 advances Transmeta’s vision for efficient and reliable computing,” said Dr. Matthew R. Perry, president and CEO, Transmeta Corporation. “We are able to offer customershigh quality, differentiated system solutions as a result of close relationships with leading companies such as Sharp and STMicroelectronics.”

Transmeta’s energy efficient TM8000 processor is on schedule for production in the third quarter of this year. The TM8000 processor, targeting mobile and high end embedded markets, is an enhanceddesign of the company’s Crusoe processor architecture for improved performance and energy efficiency.

Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas, Camas, Wash., is a U.S.-based company and a division of SHARP Electronics Corporation, which is a subsidiary of SHARP Corporation, Osaka, Japan. SHARP is aworldwide developer of core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of electronic products for consumer and business needs. Sharp Microelectronics of theAmericas offers breakthrough memory, LCD, opto, CCD, RF/IR, microcomputer and system-on-chip components, along with packaging and integration skills that help design engineers throughout North andSouth America bring their ambitious ideas to market. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas is dedicated to improving people’s lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment toinnovation, quality, value and design. For more information, visit http://www.sharpsma.com/

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and systemexpertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a keyrole in enabling today’s convergence markets. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2002, the Company’s net revenueswere $6.32 billion and net earnings were $429.4 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com/.