Ottawa, Canada, March 31, 2008 -- Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. (NYSE/TSX:ZL) today announced that it will be showcasing its growing portfolio of optical aggregation technologies for video surveillance systems, including video IP surveillance (VIPS) camera and control room optical modules as well as its plug-and-play multi-gigabit optical cable for network interconnect, at the International Security Conference and Exposition (ISC West) at the Sands Expo Convention Center, Las Vegas, April 2-4, Booth #4126.

Increasingly advanced security, safety and monitoring video applications, for example thermal monitoring and image analysis, are creating demand for a new class of optical products that can handle bandwidth-intensive applications with the flexibility to support future upgrades. In the field, operators require new technologies that support an easy evolution to Ethernet-based networks while operating seamlessly with installed equipment. Operators require control room solutions that can handle increasing fiber connectivity from new camera deployments, and new interconnect technologies that can easily link equipment such as digital video recorders with data centers and storage systems.

"Zarlink is uniquely positioned with easy-to-install optical solutions for video surveillance networks, from the camera through to the data center," said Bertil Kronlund, product line manager, Zarlink Optical Communications. "Our solutions enhance performance and significantly reduce installation time, while supporting IP network deployments and future Gigapixel camera upgrades".

Zarlink's electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical compact modules for video surveillance systems deliver the simplest optical connectivity approach in the market today, covering first level aggregation of IP cameras as well as backbone connectivity through the use of active optical cable assemblies for 10 G interconnects. As video security traffic is increasingly terminated in data centers, Zarlink's ZLynx active optical cable can extend aggregated Gigapixel camera traffic over off-the-shelf Ethernet switches.

Complete optical solution for video surveillance

Zarlink's VIPS products simplify and speed the installation and expansion of IP video surveillance systems by providing an extended point-to-point connection of up to 2,000 meters between cameras, video servers and control room equipment over single-stranded multi-mode optical fiber. The compact (41.5 x 61.5 x 28.3 millimeters) modules are half the size of competing devices and require just 1.5 watts, meaning they can be easily integrated into camera enclosures or space-constrained installations. The use of multi-mode optical fiber eliminates the need to multiple switches, connection points and long runs of copper while also protecting against security and weather-related concerns.

Zarlink's VIPS products are now in full production. The company is developing future additions to the VIPS product line that will support higher bandwidth, extended temperature range and unique technology for longer distance video extension applications. For more on Zarlink's complete portfolio camera-side and control room VIPS products visit http://www.zarlink.com/opticalsolutions/videosurveillance.htm.

Zarlink's ZL60615 ZLynx is a plug-and-play active optical cable assembly solution for extending aggregated Gigapixel camera traffic up to 100 meters over off-the-shelf Ethernet switches that offer 10 Gbps uplink interfaces. The ZLynx optical cable delivers significant reach, weight and flexibility benefits versus traditional copper cables, while allowing end-users to plug-and-play using the standard powered CX-4 connector available on most Ethernet switches with 10 Gbps uplinks. Information on Zarlink's ZLynx active optical cable is available at http://www.zarlink.com/opticalsolutions/zlynx.htm.

Demonstration at ISC West

At ISC West, Zarlink will be demonstrating the unrivalled performance of its VIPS products and easy integration with complementary technologies from Axis Communications and Visual Defence. Zarlink's ZL60239 and ZL60240 camera-side VIPS products will optically network AXIS 211M network cameras to Zarlink's fully populated ZL60214 control room rack mount solutions via multi-mode fiber. The ZL60214 control room rack will optically aggregate camera traffic to an Ethernet switch, with the entire network monitored by AXIS Camera Station software. In addition, AXIS 211M Network Cameras will be optically networked directly to Visual Defence's IP Mobile Digital Video Storage Solution (IP mDVSS) digital video recorder using Zarlink VIPS technology. Zarlink will also be showcasing its ZL60615 ZLynx active optical cable.

"Axis is committed to partners with complementary technology in order to provide complete solutions that help our video surveillance customers make the transition from analog to IP-based systems," said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications Inc. "In combination with our network camera and camera station software, Zarlink's optical converters are an important technology that will help simplify this transition and enable more advanced applications."

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 http://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 http://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 successfully integrate Legerity and any businesses acquired in the future; our reliance on key personnel; any potential undisclosed liabilities associated with the Legerity acquisition; the potential adverse effect on critical reference design partners who may object to the Legerity acquisition; our ability to continue to operate profitably and generate positive cash flows in the future; our dependence on our foundry suppliers and third-party subcontractors; order cancellations and deferrals by our customers; and other factors referenced in our Annual Report on Form 20-F. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in this filing.

- 30 -

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

For further information:

Ed Goffin
Media Relations
613 270-7112
edward.goffin@zarlink.com

Mike McGinn
Investor Relations
613 270-7210
mike.mcginn@zarlink.com