Zarlink's Timing Over Packet Products Support Critical Synchronization Requirements for 3G and 4G Networks

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Oct 08 (MARKET WIRE) --
Zarlink Semiconductor (TSX: ZL) today announced enhancements to its
recently introduced Timing over Packet (ToP) products to support strict
timing requirements for 3G and 4G Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment.
Zarlink's IEEE 1588 ToP products allow timing and synchronization
information to be carried directly over packet networks, providing
carriers with a real alternative to costly global positioning systems
(GPS). Infonetics Research estimates the RAN equipment market will reach
US$10.9 billion by 2013, from US$4.6 billion in 2008.

"Investments in next-generation Radio Access Networks are accelerating,
with our ToP products now designed in with major equipment suppliers who
represent over 50 percent of the RAN market," said Jeremy Lewis, product
line manager with Zarlink's Timing and Synchronization product group.
"Our highly integrated ToP products simplify and speed the design of new
network equipment to allow manufacturers to reach market quickly. The
products meet all synchronization requirements, including time alignment,
as wireless networks evolve from GSM through GPRS and EDGE to WiMax and
LTE. By deploying Zarlink's ToP products, carriers can gradually evolve
to a more cost-effective packet network that supports a wider range of
services."

Zarlink's ToP products allow timing and synchronization information to be
distributed between radio network controllers and remote base stations
directly over a higher bandwidth packet network. As a result, operators
can replace expensive multiple leased lines traditionally used to
backhaul voice traffic between cell sites with a more affordable packet
infrastructure.

Zarlink's ToP products have been successfully demonstrated over a number
of networks. Frequency accuracy of less than 30 parts per billion (ppb)
and time alignment of less than plus/minus 1 microseconds (usec) can be
achieved over five nodes using a cost-effective temperature compensated
crystal oscillator (TCXO). A detailed performance report is available to
qualified customers.

Availability and support

Zarlink's ToP devices are currently in volume production. For more
information visit the product profiles on Zarlink's website. Complete
information on Zarlink's ToP products, including full data sheets and
application notes, is available to qualified customers. To learn how to
become a qualified customer, contact your local sales representative.

- ZL30310 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Network
Synchronization: http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30110.htm

- ZL30312 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Network
Synchronization: http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30312.htm

- ZL30314 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Network
Synchronization: http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30314.htm

- ZL30316 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Timing over Packet
Technology: http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30316.htm

- ZL30320 Combined Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE1588 Timing over Packet
Technology: http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL30320.htm

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 www.zarlink.com.

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 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: our dependence on
the successful development and market introduction of new products; our
ability to integrate any business, technologies, product lines or
services that we have or will acquire; our dependence on revenue
generation from our legacy products in order to fund development of our
new products; current market conditions, including the lack of liquidity
in the markets and economic slowdown, may increase our operating costs or
reduce our revenue, thereby negatively impacting our operating results;
our ability to operate profitably and generate positive cash flows in the
future; the impact of the current economic crisis on our suppliers and
customers and our ability to transfer parts to other suppliers; our
dependence on our foundry suppliers and third-party subcontractors; order
cancellations and deferrals by our customers; our substantial
indebtedness could adversely affect our financial position; the cost and
accounting implications of compliance with new accounting standards; and
other factors referenced in our Annual Report on Form 20-F. Investors are
encouraged to consider the risks detailed in this filing.

Zarlink and the Zarlink Semiconductor logo are trademarks of Zarlink
Semiconductor Inc.

Contacts:
Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.
Ed Goffin
Media Relations and Investor Relations
613-270-7112
edward.goffin@zarlink.com

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