Sunnyvale, Calif.--January 18, 1999 - UMC Group announced today that it is the first semiconductor foundry to expand its services to controller chip product developers that utilize Rambus' memory interface--the Direct Rambus ASIC Cell (RAC). Rambus Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBS) today also announced it has successfully fabricated the RAC in the form of test chips on UMC's 0.25 micron process (Gold LogicTM L250).

Dave Mooring, vice president and general manager for Rambus' PC Division nted, "Rambus' chipset and memory controller customers can now take advantage of UMC's rich offering of design kits, libraries and system-on-chip echnology as our Direct Rambus ASIC Cell targets UMC's 0.25 micron process."

Jim Ballingall, vice president of worldwide marketing for UMC Group (USA) said, "UMC Group is committed to offering the most comprehensive set of high value IP libraries in the industry. Accordingly, we are pleased to offer the RAC as this interface expands our IP capabilities and enables our customers to more readily integrate memory components into their designs. Moreover, we expect that the RAC will be a primary interface for PC chipsets in 1999 and nd."

The test chips containing the RAC have been fully characterized by Rambus. he chips meet Rambus' specifications and will support 800 MHz memory system operation.

Targeted for UMC's foundry customers, the Direct RAC delivers 1.6 gigabytes per sec over 72-pin interface, and is ideally suited for chipset and desktop multimedia. Developed in conjunction with Intel Corp. and in cooperation with DRAM and other semiconductor partners, the Direct Rambus interface achieves its unprecedented performance through electrical and architectural innovations.

System applications for Direct Rambus technology include computers, multimedia and graphics, communications and consumer electronics. Currently, over 50 companies are committed to delivering Direct Rambus technology within their products; including 14 DRAM manufacturers (supplying more than 96% of the worldwide DRAM market); 20 logic IC suppliers, including Intel Corp.; and 25 companies representing the leaders in system-memory implementation products (including memory modules, connectors, clock chips and test systems).

The Rambus Direct RAC is part of UMC's Gold IP program, meaning it is already being used by UMC customers. Customers that are seeking the Direct RAC must license it from Rambus.

Rambus Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBS), based in Mountain View, Calif., develops and licenses high-speed chip-to-chip interface technology that enables semiconductor memory devices to keep pace with faster generations of processors and controllers. Providers of Rambus-based integrated circuits include the world's leading DRAM, ASIC and PC controller manufacturers. Currently, eight of the world's top-10 semiconductor companies license Rambus technology and seven of the world's top PC makers have shipped systems using the technology. More information on Rambus Inc. and its high-bandwidth interface technology is available at http://www.rambus.com.

Rambus, RDRAM and the Rambus logo are registered trademarks of Rambus Inc. Direct Rambus, Direct RDRAM are trademarks of Rambus Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.