Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2003

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced that 1st Silicon (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. has selected Agilent's mixed-signal semiconductor device modeling services to support 1st Silicon's mixed-signal processes. The device models enable 1st Silicon customers to accurately design to 1st Silicon's process specifications and help to speed the design cycle of new RF and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs) used in computing, communications and electronics systems.

"With Agilent, we are expanding our mixed-signal capabilities and gaining expertise in high-frequency precision characterization and device modeling," said Dr. Ko Chul Gi, chief technology officer at 1st Silicon. "Accurate models are the foundation of design success. Offering reliable device models that are supported by a wide range of design tools is fundamental to our customer's growth and success - and to our success, as well."

"Agilent is committed to providing foundries device model extraction and verification services that build on our EDA products," said Jim Tabuchi, marketing and services manager at Agilent EEsof EDA. "With a complete set of process models, customers of 1st Silicon will be able to accurately design to process specifications, speed-up the design cycle and reduce research and development costs."

Agilent's Singapore Microelectronics Modeling Center (SMMC) is providing device modeling services to support 1st Silicon's 0.18um and 0.25um mixed-signal processes. The device models can be used with Agilent's Advanced Design System (ADS) or radio frequency design environment (RFDE) EDA (electronic design automation) software, or with the HSPICE (high-frequency simulation program for integrated circuit evaluation) tool. The new models are expected to be available in mid-2003 and include equivalent circuit models such as BSIM3 and lumped components.

Agilent ADS offers advanced simulation and verification technologies for system and circuit design engineers creating complex communication systems. Agilent RFDE tightly integrates RF simulation technologies from Agilent ADS into Cadence Design System's industry-standard analog and mixed signal design flow. RFDE gives analog and RF engineers access to frequency-domain simulation technology from within the Cadence environment. More information on Agilent ADS products is available at www.agilent.com/find/eesof.

Formed in November 1999, Agilent SMMC focuses on semiconductor characterization and device modeling. It provides foundries, IC/RF-board design houses and IC package suppliers services designed to speed the flow of critical information throughout the wireless semiconductor design cycle. SMMC employs Agilent device modeling systems and simulation tools to provide services ranging from the design of test structures and device layouts, to delivering verified sets of models suitable for use in RF and mixed-signal applications.

About 1st Silicon (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

1st Silicon is a dedicated semiconductor foundry founded in 1998 by the Malaysian State of Sarawak. 1st Silicon's 200mm wafer fab has a capacity in excess of 40,000 wafers per month when fully ramped. The Company has started volume production with 0.25um digital and mixed signal CMOS technology in Q1 2001, and has introduced its 0.18um process. 1st Silicon's customers include Integrated Device Manufacturers and Fabless Semiconductor companies from the U.S., Japan, and Asia. The Company has its headquarters in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, and a U.S. registered Subsidiary Corporation located in San Jose, California. Please visit 1st Silicon's homepage at www.1stsilicon.com for more information.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 35,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6 billion in fiscal year 2002. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news.