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[January 17, 2005]

PMC-Sierra Announces Enhanced 4G Fibre Channel Loop Switch Architecture for Networked Storage Systems

SANTA CLARA, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jan. 17, 2005 -- MIPS-Powered Storage Management Controller Enables Storage OEMs to Offer Low Cost, Advanced Enclosure Services

PMC-Sierra, Inc. (Nasdaq:PMCS) today announced a complete storage enclosure architecture for 4G Fibre Channel SAN and NAS storage systems. The PM8393 Storage Management Controller joins the PMC-Sierra PM8379 CTS 20x4G, PM8378 CTS 18x4G and PM8375 CTS 4x4G Fibre Channel loop switch product family to provide a complete hardware and firmware reference design. This low cost, scalable 4G Fibre Channel architecture enables storage systems OEMs to differentiate their product offerings through innovative enclosure services, system performance and diagnostics.


"As storage suppliers develop next-generation storage systems that meet end customers' demands for more flexible yet higher capacity storage products, they require component technologies that boost system reliability and manageability," said Richard Villars, Vice President of Storage Systems Research at IDC. "Solutions like PMC Sierra's Fibre Channel loop switch product family with a storage management controller will enable storage systems suppliers to deliver more competitive and more capable storage solutions."

"PMC-Sierra continues to work closely with customers to create storage system solutions that not only increase system performance and diagnostics, but also aggressively reduce total system cost," said Mark Stibitz, Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Storage Division at PMC-Sierra. "PMC-Sierra's 4G Fibre Channel loop switch product family provides a feature-rich, low cost architecture that enables storage OEMs to quickly transition from 2G to 4G Fibre Channel systems."

The PM8393 Storage Management Controller works seamlessly with the PMC-Sierra loop switch family to provide a high-density solution for Fibre Channel Hard Disk Drive enclosures (see Figure 1). The Storage Management Controller integrates a 32-bit MIPS-Powered(TM) processor and includes a complete enclosure services software kit to significantly reduce system software development. The device also integrates four Two Wire Interfaces (TWI), eight Fan Control PWM/Tachometers, 128 GPIOs, four UARTs and numerous timers. Using an industry proven Fibre Channel interface provided by PlexStar Technologies, the Storage Management Controller also includes a 1/2/4G Fibre Channel port for in-band storage enclosure services (SES).

"PMC-Sierra and PlexStar Technologies are dedicated to expanding the capability of Fibre Channel in both Enterprise and Small/Medium Business applications. The Storage Management Controller and CTS product family from PMC-Sierra provide an excellent platform for designing low cost, high performance and highly reliable Fibre Channel storage solutions," said Horst L. Truestedt, President and Chief Technology Officer at PlexStar Technologies, Inc. -0- *T Pricing, Availability and Customer Support Direct Pricing Product Features Compatibility Package (25KU) ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- --------- -------- PM8393 4.25, 2.25, and FC interface 23 mm x $14.25 SMC 1.25 Gbit/s FC compatible to 23 mm port, PM8379 CTS 324-pin Enclosure 20x4G. TWI PBGA Management interface 0.18 micron compatible to CMOS PM8378 CTS 18x2G and PM8375 CTS 4x4G ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- --------- -------- PM8379 CTS 20x4G 20 port 4.25, Register 27 mm x $70 2.125 and 1.0625 compatible to 27 mm Gbit/s Cut- PM8368 PBC 352-pin Through-Switch 18x2G CSBGA 0.13 micron CMOS ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- --------- -------- PM8378 CTS 18x4G 18 port 4.25, Pin and register 23 mm x $66 2.125 and 1.0625 compatible to 23 mm Gbit/s Cut- PM8368 PBC 228-pin Through-Switch 18x2G CSBGA 0.13 micron CMOS ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- --------- -------- PM8375 CTS 4x4G 4 port 4.25, Pin and register 15 mm x $19 2.125 and 1.0625 compatible to 15 mm Gbit/s Cut- PM8372 PBC 4x2G 196-pin Through-Switch and PM8377 PBC CABGA and link 4x4G 0.13 micron retimer/extender CMOS ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- --------- -------- *T

The CTS and Storage Management Controller devices are available today in high volume. Complete product evaluation kits for each device (PM2349-KIT for CTS 20x4G, PM2348-KIT for CTS 18x4G, and PM2347-KIT for CTS 4x4G) are also available. To download datasheets and order evaluation kits, please visit www.pmc-sierra.com/storage or contact sales at sales@pmc-sierra.com

About PMC-Sierra Storage Products

PMC-Sierra offers cost-optimized products featuring best-in-class signal integrity, flexibility and diagnostics for increased system performance and management. The company provides 1G, 2G and 4G Fibre Channel disk array and system interconnect products for SAN/NAS storage and switch fabric applications. PMC-Sierra also provides 3G interconnect products for SAS and SATA storage systems. For more information, visit www.pmc-sierra.com/storage.

About PMC-Sierra

PMC-Sierra(TM) is a leading provider of high speed broadband communications and storage semiconductors and MIPS-Powered processors for Enterprise, Access, Metro Optical Transport, Storage Area Networking and Wireless network equipment. The company offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the PMCS symbol and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit www.pmc-sierra.com.

About PlexStar Technologies

PlexStar Technologies offers a wide range of Intellectual Property that is constantly developing and expanding. With its portfolio, PlexStar Technologies is able to quickly and efficiently meet the needs of its clients in the Storage, Networking and Telecommunications markets. For more information, visit www.plexstartech.com.

Attachments

Figure 1: High Density Solution for Fibre Channel Hard Disk Drive Enclosures available at www.pmc-sierra.com/pressRoom/pr/images/20050117_pr_figure1.jpg

Product Photo available at www.pmc-sierra.com/pressRoom/photos/hi-res/smc_pm8393_5x7_300dpi.jpg

Resources to Extend Your Product Knowledge and Understanding

PMC-Sierra Storage Products www.pmc-sierra.com/storage

PMC-Sierra New Products www.pmc-sierra.com/products/newProducts.html

PMC-Sierra Technology Webinars www.pmc-sierra.com/webinars

(C) Copyright PMC-Sierra, Inc. 2005. All rights reserved. PMC, PMCS, PMC-Sierra, and "Thinking you can build on" are trademarks of PMC-Sierra, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.

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