July 17, 2002 – Milpitas, CA – Xicor Inc. and Catalyst Semiconductor have settled a patent infringement case filed by Xicor against Catalyst on July 16, 2001 in Delaware Federal District Court.

The lawsuit, alleging infringement of Xicor’s patent `932, covers the company’s digitally controlled potentiometer architecture. According to Xicor President and CEO Lou DiNardo, “We are satisfied that this settlement protects the value of our IP as well as the time, effor, and expense we have made in developing this market. We will continue to focus our efforts on the design and development of new products and new technology.”

Catalyst President and CEO, Radu Vanco added, “As part of the overall settlement, we have acknowledged the validity of Xicor’s patent and have agreed to mutually acceptable terms which, as part of our overall diversification plan, will allow us to increase our presence in the digitally controlled potentiometers market. We hope this settlement will enable both companies to focus on the development of new products and applications standards, resulting in increased benefits to our companies and customers.”

The Delaware Federal District Court entered a stipulated dismissal of the case in June 2002. The terms of the agreement are to remain confidential.