Fairchild Semiconductor Signs Agreement With RedMere Technology For HDTV And Consumer Multimedia Connectivity Products

July 2, 2007

Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS), the leading global supplier of high-performance products that optimize system power, has signed a supply agreement with RedMere Technology. As part of the agreement, RedMere will provide known-good die (KGD) connectivity products for the HDTV and consumer multimedia markets to Fairchild. RedMere is a leading innovator in driving architecture and semiconductor solutions for high-speed multimedia interconnect applications. Fairchild will introduce a new line of products starting with HDMI switch and repeater devices incorporating RedMere's patented MagnifEye(TM) technology, targeting high-volume repeater and multi-port HDMI connectivity solutions for HDTV applications. MagnifEye(TM) technology eliminates the cable-effects of skew, cross-talk and EMI, and significantly improves system reliability. The MagnifEye(TM) technology is particularly beneficial in mainstream HDTV equipment with cable lengths of two to five meters or where low cost after-market HDMI cables have been used. Fairchild's first products will feature +/- 1bit skew tolerance, wideband adaptive equalization, integrated DDC buffer/repeater and selectable output pre-emphasis, and are expected to be released in the fall of 2007. "According to In-Stat, HDMI is experiencing record growth with HDMI-enabled device shipments, predicted to grow to 78 percent per year through 2010. Applications include high-definition TVs, set-top boxes, projection systems, DVD recorders, media PCs and other consumer devices," said Jerry Johnston, Fairchild's product line director for Analog Switches. "Our relationship with RedMere will enable Fairchild to rapidly expand our current portfolio of products in markets where we already have strong customer relationships and market presence. "HDMI connectivity is expected to be as pervasive as USB connectors, and home theaters are driving this demand. With multiple HDMI inputs, consumers are able to connect more than one application at a time, such as a digital set-top box and a game station connected to their high-definition TV," continued Johnston. "System designers also find our high-bandwidth HDMI switches easy to use because they can add a second port to their HDMI products without changing internal aspects of the application, or redesigning for an extra feature." "Reliable, high-performance interconnect has clearly become a major differentiator in the HDTV market," said Peter Smyth, CEO, RedMere Technology. "RedMere's MagnifEye(TM) technology is the leading de-skew and equalization architecture in the industry. This strategic relationship with Fairchild provides RedMere with a top-tier manufacturing and marketing partner and will provide HDTV manufacturers with a broader portfolio of world-class interconnect products from a world-leader in high-volume interface solutions." Fairchild's line of high-performance solutions includes the FSAV430/433/450 video switches and the FSHDMI04, FSHDMI08. These products provide the industry's best combination of wide-bandwidth, high signal quality and compact packaging. About RedMere Technology: Headquartered in Balbriggan, Ireland, RedMere Technology, Ltd. is an innovator in driving architecture and semiconductor solutions for high speed multimedia interconnect applications for consumer electronics and personal computing markets. RedMere Technology creates unique interconnect solutions for digital interconnect standards such as DVI and HDMI through leveraging partnerships with global leaders in the consumer electronics and personal computing markets. For more information, visit http://www.redmere.com. About Fairchild Semiconductor: Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS) is the global leader in power analog and power discrete technologies delivering energy-efficient solutions for all electronic systems. Recognized as The Power Franchise(R), Fairchild provides leading-edge silicon and packaging technologies, manufacturing strength and system expertise. In 2007, Fairchild celebrates its "50/10" anniversary, commemorating 10 years as a new company and 50 years in the industry. Known as the "Father of Silicon Valley," Fairchild developed the planar transistor in 1958--and with it a new industry. Today, Fairchild is an application-driven, solution-based semiconductor supplier providing online design tools and design centers worldwide as part of its comprehensive Global Power Resource(TM). Please contact us on the web at http://www.fairchildsemi.com.

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http://www.fairchildsemi.com
http://www.redmere.com