Ralink Leverages MIPS32® Processors in 802.11n Access Point/Router SoCs for Broadband, VoIP, Gaming and Entertainment Applications

IP Cores Drive Increased Performance for Highly Integrated SoCs

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NasdaqGS: MIPS), a leading provider of industry-standard architectures, processors and analog IP for digital consumer, home networking, wireless, communications and business applications, today announced that its synthesizable MIPS32® 24KEc™ processor core is powering Ralink’s RT3052 and RT3050 802.11n Single Chip Access Point/router SoCs. The 24KEc core enables the RT3052 and RT3050 to process advanced applications such as broadband routing, Ethernet to Wi-Fi bridges, VoIP, online gaming and home entertainment.

“Our new 802.11n AP/router SoCs are highly integrated to meet market demand for smaller form factors and lower BOM costs in router devices, while delivering high data rates and the best available wireless coverage for 802.11n,” said Fred Jann, vice president of IC Design for Ralink Technology. “MIPS Technologies’ synthesizable 24KEc cores, with an optimal combination of high performance, low power and compact area, are a key reason that we are able to deliver this advanced solution.”

“MIPS Technologies has a strong presence in broadband access, with processors that can support the high performance, low latency and dependable uptime required in today’s access points—at the lowest possible cost,” said Brad Holtzinger, vice president of worldwide sales at MIPS Technologies. “We are pleased that Ralink, a leading provider of WLAN chipsets, has successfully brought to market yet another innovative MIPS-Based™ product.”

According to market research firm ABI Research, shipments of consumer-oriented 802.11n Wi-Fi access points are expected to dramatically increase over the next five years, rising from six million in 2008 to a forecast 88 million in 2013. The firm anticipates that the greatest adoption will take place in 2009-2010, when sufficient numbers of consumers will have 802.11n capabilities embedded in their laptop and desktop computers.

Ralink’s RT3052 and RT3050 are complete SoC solutions with a high level of integration that accelerates time-to-market and reduces development costs for 802.11n AP/router manufacturers. Ralink’s RT3052 2T2R architecture delivers data rates of 300 Mbps and maintains wireless connections over a large coverage area. Ralink’s RT3050 1T1R architecture is targeted for manufacturers who are looking to replace 802.11g AP/routers with 802.11n.

About MIPS32 24KEc Cores
The MIPS32 24KE™ core family leverages the high-performance 24K® microarchitecture while incorporating the MIPS® DSP Application-Specific Extension (ASE). These instructions improve signal processing performance up to 200 percent over a range of embedded applications when compared to RISC implementations without the DSP ASE. The 24KE family provides very efficient DSP capability while significantly reducing overall SoC die area, cost and power consumption. The 24KE core family is supported by a complete suite of software development tools, the MIPS DSP Library and a third-party DSP applications network. This enables SoC designers to work in a single design environment and lower system costs by migrating DSP functionality onto a 24KE core.

About Ralink Technology Corporation
Ralink Technology Corporation is a leading innovator and developer of wireless LAN chipset solutions. Ralink 802.11x chips are recognized for superior throughput, extended range, low-power consumption and consistent reliability demanded by Wi-Fi, mobile and embedded applications. These feature-rich chipsets have a high level of chip integration for client and AP solutions for CB, miniPCI, PCI, PCIe and USB interfaces, enabling customers to build smaller and more sophisticated mobile wireless products cost-effectively. Ralink’s patented MIMObility™ technology extends Wi-Fi applications from traditional PC networking to a range of digital multimedia and handheld devices including cell phones, PDAs, cameras, print servers, HDTV and video game players. Ralink customers can look forward to continuous improvements in speed, bandwidth and reliability with 802.11n solutions for next-generation high-performance Wi-Fi. Ralink Technology was founded in 2001 with headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan and an R&D center in Cupertino, California. For more information, visit Ralink at www.ralinktech.com or send email to info@ralinktech.com.

About MIPS Technologies, Inc.
MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NasdaqGS: MIPS) is the world’s second largest semiconductor design IP company and the number one analog IP company worldwide. With more than 250 customers around the globe, MIPS Technologies is the only company that provides a combined portfolio of processors, analog IP and software tools for the embedded market. The company powers some of the world’s most popular products for the digital entertainment, home networking, wireless, and portable media markets—including broadband devices from Linksys, DTVs and digital consumer devices from Sony, DVD recordable devices from Pioneer, digital set-top boxes from Motorola, network routers from Cisco, 32-bit microcontrollers from Microchip Technology and laser printers from Hewlett-Packard. Founded in 1998, MIPS Technologies is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices worldwide. For more information, contact (650) 567-5000 or visit www.mips.com.

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MIPS, MIPS32, 24K, 24KE, 24KEc, and MIPS-Based are trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States and other countries of MIPS Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.