Kawasaki Microelectronics Licenses National Semiconductor's Point-to-Point Differential Signaling Technology for Next-Generation LCD TV Timing Controllers
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FPD INTERNATIONAL Conference, TOKYO - October 18, 2006 - National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM) and Kawasaki Microelectronics today announced that Kawasaki Microelectronics, Inc., a manufacturer of high-end ASIC products, has licensed National Semiconductor's PPDS® (point-to-point differential signaling) display technology to develop timing controller integrated circuits for next-generation liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions.
"We licensed National Semiconductor's PPDS technology to respond to our LCD customers' demand for cost-effective technology that supports true 10-bit color," said Toshi Takahashi, senior marketing manager at Kawasaki Microelectronics. "The features offered by PPDS technology are compelling. We expect demand for this technology to ramp up very quickly as LCD TV makers are looking for technologies that bring a cinema-quality viewing experience into the homes of end-users."
National'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 provide 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.
"We are extremely pleased with the momentum that National's PPDS technology is gaining in the LCD marketplace," said Jon Kiachian, director of marketing for the Displays Division at National Semiconductor. "The license with Kawasaki Microelectronics adds to the number of high-quality licensees supplying PPDS products, and it is further proof that PPDS technology is poised to become the intra-panel interface of choice for high-quality LCDs."
National Semiconductor will demonstrate the PPDS timing controller and column driver chipset in booth 257 at the FPD International exhibition in Yokohama, Tokyo, from October 18-20.
About the PPDS Architecture
National Semiconductor developed the 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, 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, Calif., National reported sales of $2.16 billion for fiscal 2006, which ended May 28, 2006. Additional company and product information is available at www.national.com.
About Kawasaki Microelectronics
Kawasaki Microelectronics is a leader in advanced ASIC technology. The company's innovative technologies and world-class design support are used in the consumer electronics, computer, office-automation, networking and storage markets. The company is an active participant in industry standards organizations, including, Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), PCI Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG), USB Implementers Forum, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Universal Plug and Play Forum (UPnP), Mobile Computing Promotion Consortium (MCPC), the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) and OCP International Partnership (OCP-IP). Kawasaki Microelectronics has design centers in Boston, San Jose, Taipei and Tokyo. For more information, visit www.k-micro.com/.
Gayle Bullock
National Semiconductor Public Relations
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Tel: (408) 721-2033
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Email: gayle.bullock@nsc.com
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