OTTAWA, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zarlink Semiconductor (NYSE/TSX:ZL) today introduced the ZLE(TM)60400 AMC (advanced mezzanine card) optical extender card. Available as both a reference design and ready-to-manufacture solution, the card reduces design time and complexity of optically enabled line cards used in signal processing, networking and communications equipment.

The ZLE60400 optical extender card for Serial RapidIO delivers up to 25 Gb/s of ATCA (Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture) and microTCA system interconnect in a hot pluggable, standard AMC form factor. Zarlink will be introducing the ZLE60400 card at Electronica 2006 in Munich, Germany with Avnet Memec (Hall A3, Stand 606).

Increasing demand for bandwidth-intensive, multimedia-rich web applications requires higher-speed system interconnects within networking and communications equipment. RapidIO(R) technology eliminates potential traffic "bottlenecks" by defining an open-standard, scaleable architecture for chip-to-chip and circuit board-to-circuit board interconnects within wireless infrastructure, edge networking, storage, military and scientific equipment.

"As equipment manufacturers are pressured to meet higher-speed interconnect demands, the ZLE60400 optical extender card meets ATCA high-speed backplane and chassis requirements and allows Serial RapidIO to be brought 'out of the box'," said Dr. Marco Ghisoni, product manager, Optical Products, Zarlink Semiconductor. "Integrating Zarlink's parallel fiber optic module technology, ZLE60400 card provides scalable, high throughput interconnections of beyond 100 meters within equipment racks, shelves and boards".

The stand-alone solution can be used with off-the-shelf processing and I/O boards to create both proof-of-concept, testing and development systems or a final system design. The ZLE60400 card supports a high degree of flexibility by interoperating with a range of industry-standard connectors, including AMC, SMA (SubMiniature version A), HIP (Hardware Interoperability Platform). Optical interconnection is via industry-standard MPO/MTP connectorized optical fiber ribbon cable.

"RapidIO technology continues to be widely adopted as the primary interconnect technology for next-generation telecommunications equipment," said Tom Cox, executive director of the RapidIO Trade Association. "Zarlink's new optical extender card reference design is a key addition that will help simplify development and speed time-to-market of RapidIO-based systems."

Availability

The fully populated ZLE60400 AMC optical extender card reference design is available now. Optical fiber ribbon cables are also available at request. For more information contact Marco Ghisoni (marco.ghisoni@zarlink.com). For more on Zarlink's optical solutions visit http://www.zarlink.com/opticalsolutions/.

About Zarlink Semiconductor

For over 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The Company's success is built on its technology strengths including voice and data networks, optoelectronics and ultra low-power communications. For more information, visit http://www.zarlink.com/.

About Avnet Memec

Avnet Memec was established in 2005 through the integration of Memec and WBC operations, which resulted in its becoming a highly specialized semiconductor distributor operating on a pan-European basis and employing a huge number of engineers to support customer design efforts.

Avnet Memec specializes in highly innovative suppliers and technologies that can help customers to differentiate their designs. Its area of specialization extends from Analog and Microcontrollers to RF, Datacom, and Networking. The company's Web site is at http://www.avnet-memec.eu/

RapidIO(R) is a registered trademark of the RapidIO Trade Association

Shareholders and other individuals wishing to receive, free of charge, copies of the reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Regulatory Authorities, should visit the Company's web site at http://www.zarlink.com/ or contact Investor Relations.

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the following: rapid technological developments and changes; our ability to continue to operate profitably and generate positive cash flows in the future; our dependence on our foundry suppliers and third-party subcontractors; increasing price and product competition; our exposure to product warranty claims resulting from product defects or failures; and other factors referenced in our Annual Report on Form 20-F. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in this filing.

Zarlink, ZL and the Zarlink Semiconductor logo are trademarks of Zarlink

Semiconductor Inc.

CONTACT: Zarlink (Media): Ed Goffin, (613) 270-7112,
edward.goffin@zarlink.com; Zarlink (Investor Relations): Mike McGinn, (613)
270-7210, mike.mcginn@zarlink.com