Himax, MagnaChip, Sharp, STMicroelectronics License National Semiconductor's Point-to-Point Differential Signaling Technology for Next-Generation LCD TVs
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Licenses Spur Adoption of PPDS as a Standard; New LCD TVs Will Feature True 10-bit Color For a Cinema-Quality Experience
Society for Information Display (SID) Conference, SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - June 6, 2006 - National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM) today announced that Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX), MagnaChip Semiconductor Ltd., Sharp Corporation and STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) have licensed National Semiconductor's PPDS® (point-to-point differential signaling) display technology to develop column drivers for next-generation liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions. In addition, Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp. (CMO) has agreed to incorporate National's PPDS technology into its upcoming LCD TV modules.
"National's PPDS technology enables CMO to deliver higher color depth, cinema-quality motion video and high resolution to the consumer in a simple, cost-effective manner," said Wen-Tsung Lin, director of the LCD TV Division at Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp. "These features are critical to the success of large LCD TVs."
National Semiconductor's PPDS technology allows panel manufacturers to offer superior, front-of-screen performance at significantly lower cost than competing technologies. As monitors and televisions transition to offer consumers amazing billion-plus color depth, LCD panel, monitor and television makers need an intra-panel interface that supports true 10-bit color without burdening their products with extra cost and complexity.
"LCD TV shipments are forecasted to grow from 41.7 million units in 2006 to 96.9 million units in 2009, with the bulk of the growth coming from those LCD TVs with high-definition resolutions," said Ross Young, president of DisplaySearch, a research firm focused on flat panel displays. "National's PPDS technology is well-suited for LCD TV applications that demand the highest level of color control and accuracy that provide the best viewing experience for the end user."
National Semiconductor will demonstrate the PPDS timing controller and column driver chipset in booth 1302 at the Society for Information Display (SID) conference in San Francisco from June 4-6. The SID conference is the premier international gathering of scientists, engineers, manufacturers and users in the electronic-display industry. National's display experts will be available for customer, press and industry analyst interviews throughout the conference. To schedule an interview at SID, please contact Gayle Bullock at (408) 464-2516 or gayle.bullock@nsc.com.
About the PPDS Architecture
National Semiconductor developed PPDS display interface standard to improve visual performance, lower system cost and provide increased flexibility in the design of LCD panels. Recognized by the International Engineering Consortium (IEC) with a DesignVision award in 2005, National's PPDS technology is a migration from RSDS® (reduced swing differential signaling) technology to a new architecture capable of driving large LCD panels up to 90 inches in diagonal at resolutions up to 1920 by 1080 lines (full high definition). PPDS technology brings brilliant colors, cinema-quality motion video and high-resolution to next-generation large screen panels. For more information on National's PPDS technology, visit national.com/appinfo/fpd/ppds.html.
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.
Gayle Bullock
National Semiconductor Public Relations
3689 Kifer Road, M/S G1-124
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Tel: (408) 721-2033
Cell: (408) 464-2516
Fax: (408) 721-3238
Email: gayle.bullock@nsc.com
