Cypress Semiconductor Opens New Facility

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation announced that it has recently opened a new headquarters for its Computer Products Division (CPD) in Woodinville. The 50,000 square foot facility, which is located at 19825 141st Place N.E., Woodinville, WA 98072, presently houses about 100 employees, with the potential for significant expansion.

Cypress originally came to the Seattle area when it acquired IC Designs, Inc. in 1993. IC Designs pioneered the use of ``clock chips'' in the personal computer market. The organization, which is now known as Cypress' Computer Products Division, continues as a worldwide leader in this market, and has expanded its product portfolio to include microcontrollers for the Universal Serial Bus. The division also designs and markets logic chips.

The new facility houses design teams, marketing, product test and assembly, accounting, and other functions. ``We have a tight-knit, entrepreneurial group,'' said Jeffrey Linden, vice president in charge of all day-to-day operations for Cypress's CPD. ``We also enjoy the resources of a $500 million company with outstanding manufacturing prowess.''

Growth is expected to be particularly strong for Cypress's USB products. Cypress has already shipped over one million USB devices, including chips for Microsoft's new mouse and keyboard offerings. Research firms have estimated that the market for USB chips may exceed 500 million units by the year 2000.