National Semiconductor Introduces Miniature, Low-Noise Linear Regulator for Powering Analog and RF Signal-Path ICs

Utilizing a Patent-Pending Architecture, CMOS Linear Regulator Provides World's Lowest Output Noise With Fewer Components While Consuming Minimal Quiescent Current

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 8 -- National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM), the worldwide leader in power management technology, today introduced a miniature CMOS linear regulator that conducts the lowest output noise in the industry and features high power supply ripple rejection, while consuming a mere 25 uA of quiescent current. The LP5900 is a 100 mA low drop-out linear regulator optimized for powering analog and RF signal-path integrated circuits (ICs), including low-noise amplifiers, voltage-controlled oscillators and RF receivers.

Using a patent-pending design, the LP5900 linear regulator emits 6.5 uVRMS of noise and features a high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) of 75 dB without the use of a bypass capacitor.

The LP5900 is available in a tiny, four-bump micro SMD package that measures 1.1 mm by 1.1 mm. Its small form factor, combined with two 0.47 uF ceramic chip capacitors, optimizes board space and reduces a customer's bill of materials.

Output noise, PSRR and power consumption of the linear regulator are critical parameters to guarantee the integrity of analog and RF signal paths. "With the LP5900, National has achieved the industry's lowest noise output without the use of an additional bypass capacitor," said Martin Moss, product line marketing manager for National Semiconductor's Portable Power Systems Group. "National is the first analog company to offer this combination of high-performance low quiescent current and reduced component count."

Key Technical Specifications of National's LP5900 Linear Regulator
- 6.5 uVrms of noise combined with 75 dB of PSRR ensures signal integrity
- 25 uA of quiescent current extends battery life in portable devices
- 80 mV dropout improves system efficiency by regulating from the lowest possible voltage source
- +/- 2 percent output voltage accuracy over full line/load/temp, guarantees maximum performance of the signal-path device being powered
- Lead-free micro SMD-4 bump package and two 0.47 uF ceramic capacitors provide the smallest form factor and simplest bill of materials possible

The LP5900 is available in multiple output voltages ranging from 1.5V to 3.3V, including 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.0V, 2.2V, 2.5V, 2.8V, 3.0V and 3.3V. Other voltage options are available by contacting a National Semiconductor sales office.

For more information on the LP5900 or to order samples and an evaluation board, visit http://www.national.com/pf/LP/LP5900.html .

About National's Power Management Products
National Semiconductor is the number one supplier of power management ICs with 14.1 percent market share, according to iSuppli's 2005 voltage regulator/reference survey. National's power management revenue grew 37.3 percent in 2004 over the previous year, compared to 24 percent growth for the industry. National's innovative power management products include best-in-class linear regulators; power monitoring, control and reference ICs; and switching converters, such as high-voltage ICs for DC-DC conversion, switched capacitor converters, lighting management ICs and inductive switching converters. National also offers online tools that enable power designers to select the best power management chips for their applications. National's Webench(R) design tool allows designers to choose a product, create and analyze a design, and then build custom prototypes that can be delivered within 24 hours. More information about National's power management products is available at http://power.national.com/ .

Pricing and Availability
Available now, the LP5900 linear regulator is priced at 55 cents in 1,000-unit quantities. A 6-lead LLP(R) (leadless leadframe) package will be available later this year.

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor, the industry's premier analog company, creates high-value analog devices and subsystems. National's leading-edge products include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational amplifiers, communication interface products and data conversion solutions. National's key analog markets include wireless handsets, displays and a variety of broad electronics markets, including medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement applications. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $1.91 billion for fiscal 2005, which ended May 29, 2005. Additional company and product information is available at www.national.com.

NOTE: National Semiconductor, Webench and LLP are registered trademarks of National Semiconductor Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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