Maxim and ERDF Release the First OFDM-Based Powerline-Communication Specification...

Maxim and ERDF Release the First OFDM-Based Powerline-Communication
Specification Supporting the IPv6 Internet Protocol for Smart Grids

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maxim Integrated Products,
Inc. (Nasdaq:MXIM), in partnership with Sagem Communications and Electricite
Reseau Distribution France (ERDF), announced the release of an OFDM*-based PLC
(powerline communication) specification designed to facilitate global smart grid
implementations. This specification supports the IPv6 internet-protocol standard
to promote interoperability among global smart grid implementations. The
specification can be downloaded from ERDF's website.

Last year, Maxim was awarded a key development contract by ERDF, a wholly owned
subsidiary of the EDF (Electricite de France) Group, to define, develop, and
implement a next-generation PLC specification (G3-PLC) for AMM (automatic meter
management) infrastructure. ERDF has since evaluated the G3-PLC technology
against competing technologies under real-world conditions and scenarios. These
tests included long-distance communication over medium-voltage lines, two-way
communication across medium-to-low-voltage transformers, coexistence with older
FSK deployments, smart network routing/commissioning capability (mesh network),
and many others. Through these advanced field trials, ERDF concluded that
Maxim's PLC technology offers the most robust data communication over the PLC
network compared to others.

"ERDF selected Maxim for this project because of their proven expertise in
developing advanced PLC solutions and their experience in this field," commented
Jean Vigneron, Managing Director for Metering at ERDF. "Along with Sagem
Communications, Maxim successfully delivered a PLC specification that fully met
our requirements for robust communication, high data rates, long-distance
transmission, and interoperability."

ERDF is preparing to conduct an industrial pilot program in the rural area
around Tours. Using G3-PLC technology, ERDF will deploy an AMM infrastructure to
enhance grid operations and promote energy conservation. Upon the successful
completion of these trials, ERDF's goal is to implement an AMM network across
France to serve its +35M customers.

Interoperability Is Critical for Enabling the "Energy Internet"

Frequently described as the "energy internet," the smart grid represents the
convergence of information technologies with energy infrastructure in a
decentralized network architecture. Yet, unlike the internet, today's
electricity infrastructure is highly parochial, governed by the disparate needs
of each municipality, region, or nation.

One of the biggest challenges, therefore, facing implementers is how to ensure
interoperability and open-endedness among smart grids across traditional service
areas and borders. Interoperability will enable the interconnection of more
elements across larger grids to realize a true energy internet. Additionally, it
will allow more vendors to compete in the market, thus accelerating innovation
and reducing costs.

Enabling the Energy Internet Through the IPv6 Internet Protocol

The G3-PLC specification supports the IPv6 internet protocol. Both globally
accepted and license-free, IPv6 enables an open standard available to all
implementers.

The G3-PLC specification includes OFDM-based PHY/MAC layers and a 6LoWPAN
adaptation layer to transmit IPv6 packets over powerline channels. The
specification also includes innovations such as coexistence with older S-FSK
systems, adaptive tone mapping for optimal bandwidth utilization, and a robust
mode of operation that improves communication under noisy channel conditions.
These capabilities allow implementers to achieve fast, reliable data
communication over the long distances required by large-scale smart grid
infrastructures.

"Maxim's open-standard approach and global support enable hardware and service
providers worldwide to seamlessly adapt and implement this next-generation PLC
technology platform," commented Michael Navid, General Manager for Powerline
Products at Maxim. "Customers interested in deploying this technology in
large-scale projects can contact us at G3-PLC@maxim-ic.com."

About ERDF (Electricite Reseau Distribution France)

ERDF is a subsidiary of the EDF (Electricite de France) Group managing the
electricity distribution networks for 95% of metropolitan France. Courtesy of
its more than 36,000 employees, the company ensures the operation, development
and maintenance of over 1,265,500 km of electricity lines to serve over 35
million customers.

About Sagem Communications

A French, international-scale, high-technology company, Sagem Communications
specializes in broadband communications and convergence in the following areas:
printing terminals, digital TV set-top boxes, broadband and residential
terminals, communicating energy-management solutions, and telecom systems and
partnerships. The company is in a leadership position in these sectors thanks to
its proven capacity for innovation. Sagem Communications aims to become a world
leader in convergence and broadband terminals. With a turnover of almost 1.3
billion euros, Sagem Communications employs 6570 people on five continents and
is headquartered in Paris. For more information, visit
www.sagem-communications.com.

About Maxim

Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs,
manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The Company was
founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and
mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To
date, it has developed over 6100 products serving the industrial,
communications, consumer, and computing markets.

Maxim reported revenue in excess of $1.6 billion for fiscal 2009. A Fortune 1000
company, Maxim is included in the Nasdaq 100, the Russell 1000, and the MSCI USA
indices. For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com.

*Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is a method for multiplexing
signals that divides the available bandwidth into a series of frequencies known
as tones.

The Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. logo is available at
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CONTACT: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Investor Contact:
Paresh Maniar, Executive Director, Investor Relations
408-470-5348
Customer Contact:
Michael Navid, Business Management
949-450-8584