National Semiconductor Innovation Optimizes Energy Efficiency in Handheld Multimedia Devices
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SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 25 - Optimizing energy efficiency is critical for handheld multimedia devices that, in addition to making and receiving phone calls, display high-resolution video, show and store digital photos, and play high-fidelity music. To meet the growing demand for mobile video, National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM) today announced new energy-efficient breakthroughs that enable video in new converged devices that feature phone and multimedia functions.
National, a recognized leader in energy-efficient integrated circuits (ICs), introduced seven new products that enable high-resolution displays and sound quality, power large amounts of memory and higher-bandwidth wireless links, and minimize power consumption of the increasingly higher-speed applications processors. These products deliver the compelling user experience on handheld multimedia devices.
Demand is clearly growing for handheld multimedia devices. In-Stat, a high-tech market research firm based in Scottsdale, Ariz., expects the video-enabled handheld device market to grow to 1 billion units by 2011 from around 300 million in 2006.
National's newly announced analog products include:
o The low-power Mobile Pixel Link (MPL) family of products that stream
large quantities of data (seen by the user as images, video and
graphics) to the display while maximizing battery life. MPL's power
consumption is roughly half that of competing products.
o New red, green, blue light-emitting diode (RGB LED) drivers for
backlighting which provide better colors on the display and lower power
consumption compared to white LEDs. These are an industry first.
o A new LM49100 audio subsystem that allows routing of mono voice or
stereo music signals to a mono speaker driver or stereo
ground-referenced headphone amplifiers (or both) through simple
selection of pre-set modes. Maximizing battery life, it consumes the
industry's lowest quiescent current of devices in its class.
o Innovative PowerWise® technology enabling intelligent energy
management of the processor using adaptive voltage scaling (AVS).
Using National's PowerWise intellectual property integrated onto the
processor along with compatible power management ICs such as National's
new LP5552 reduces energy consumption up to 70 percent, extending the
life of the battery.
o To power a micro-hard drive, National's new LM3668 buck-boost regulator
provides a 3.3 volt output voltage to power the driver motor, offering
greater than 90 percent efficiency. It also creates a seamless
transition between buck and boost operation to provide a stable output
for error-free operation.
o The new LM3207 DC-DC power supply which dynamically reduces energy
consumption of the power amplifier by tightly regulating the RF power
amplifier supply voltage to the lowest possible level while maintaining
linearity in the power amplifier.
Engineering Better Systems
Whether for listening to high-fidelity audio, watching high-resolution video or capturing and sharing multimedia files, National provides all the differentiating analog technology handheld devices need to minimize energy consumption and enhance users' experiences with longer battery life, better sound, sharper display images, smaller form factors, whiter lighting and streamlined interfaces. Working closely with customers and partners, National is continuing to define new architectures and standards, such as the PowerWise® and Mobile Pixel Link technologies, that create unique features for portable devices. For detailed technical information about National's new products for multimedia handheld devices, visit handheld.national.com/.
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 $1.93 billion for fiscal 2007, which ended May 27, 2007. Additional company and product information is available at http://www.national.com/.
Media Contact
LuAnn Jenkins
National Semiconductor
(408) 721-2440
luann.jenkins@nsc.com
Source: National Semiconductor Corporation
Web site: http://www.national.com/
To view high-resolution downloadable photos of these products, visit National's photo gallery at handheld.national.com.
