Sci-worx to Use Tensilica Xtensa LX Processors As Building Blocks for Next Generation Video Cores

sci-worx Becomes First Tensilica Value Added Reseller (VAR)

SANTA CLARA, CA - April 20, 2005 - Tensilica , Inc., the only company to automate the design of optimized application-specific configurable processors, today announced that sci-worx will be designing several system-on-chip (SOC) intellectual property (IP) blocks, including H.264, WMV-9 and MPEG-2 for High-Definition TV, with multiple Tensilica Xtensa LX configurable processors.

Current generation IP solutions from sci-worx were designed with Register Transfer Level (RTL) logic methodologies. By adding a configurable processor-based design approach to its portfolio, sci-worx will speed design time and enjoy more flexibility to offer easier upgradability through software.

In addition to designing with Tensilica's Xtensa configurable processors, sci-worx will become Tensilica's first value added reseller (VAR), distributing Tensilica processors as part of larger sci-worx IP subsystems. sci-worx customers will be able to sign one license agreement with sci-worx that includes the necessary provisions for licensing the Xtensa processors inside sci-worx designed IP blocks.

"The market requirement for multi-standard video codecs for SD and HD resolutions requires more flexible solutions to address the high volume consumer market," stated Young-Hun Kluge, vice president of sales and marketing, sci-worx, "We'll be able to get new IP out substantially faster and provide greater flexibility to our customers by using Xtensa processors instead of traditional RTL design methods."

"sci-worx is an excellent example of a company that understands the benefits of using processors instead of hard coding algorithms into logic gates," stated Steve Roddy, Tensilica's vice president of marketing. "We look forward to working as a partner with sci-worx as they complete their new IP designs."

About sci-worx

sci-worx is Europe's leading independent IP and Design Service provider. With more than 220 employees, sci-worx is one of the world's leading technology licensing and design companies specializing in communications, multimedia and networking applications. sci-worx combines state-of-the-art design methodology with highly optimized core technology to provide its customers with premier design solutions. sci-worx's IP cores (DesignObjects) reduce time-to-market and risk for new IC products and applications by offering off-the-shelf solutions that can easily be integrated into larger designs. sci-worx complements its DesignObjects with a comprehensive suite of design services including analog and digital ASIC design, system integration and software development. For more information, visit www.sci-worx.com .

About Tensilica

Tensilica was founded in July 1997 to address the growing need for optimized, application-specific processor solutions in high-volume embedded applications. With a configurable and extensible processor core called Xtensa, Tensilica is the only company that has automated and patented the time-consuming process of generating a customized processor core along with a complete software development tool environment, producing new configurations in a matter of hours. For more information, visit www.tensilica.com .

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Editors' Notes:

• Tensilica and Xtensa are registered trademarks belonging to Tensilica Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
• Tensilica's announced licensees include Agilent, ALPS, AMCC (JNI Corporation), Astute Networks, ATI, Avision, Bay Microsystems, Berkeley Wireless Research Center, Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Conexant Systems, Cypress, Crimson Microsystems, ETRI, FUJIFILM Microdevices, Fujitsu Ltd., Hudson Soft, Hughes Network Systems, Ikanos Communications, LG Electronics, Marvell, NEC Laboratories America, NEC Corporation, NetEffect, Neterion, Nippon Telephone and Telegraph (NTT), NVIDIA, Olympus Optical Co. Ltd., sci-worx, Seiko Epson, Solid State Systems, Sony, STMicroelectronics, Stretch, TranSwitch Corporation, and Victor Company of Japan (JVC).