Industry's Easiest-to-Use Switching Controller From National Semiconductor Simplifies Power Design for Displays and Notebooks

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Offering the best mix of ease-of-use, functionality and price, National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM - news) today introduced a unique switching controller for power management applications in displays, notebooks and information infrastructure. This new device is designed to enable a switching regulator solution for a wide range of step-down requirements without the need for compensation. Its easiest-to-use Hysteretic Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) switching topology provides high efficiency step-down conversion over a wide load range, making National the only company that combines this level of functionality and design simplicity into one competitively-priced package. ( http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM3485.html )

National's new LM3485 features a switching regulator solution that includes wide input voltage range, ultra-low dropout operation, hysteretic control, package size and an easily adjustable (1.24 - Vin) output. The LM3485's low quiescent current, minimal component count and low cost make it ideal for a wide range of applications that can power TFT monitors, automotive (PC, navigation, security) systems, notebooks, distributed power systems, and battery powered portable products.

"National's switching controller portfolio leads the market in providing designers with the right solution for the job thus enabling the fastest time to market," said Pavan Pudipeddi, strategic marketing engineer of National's Power Management Products group. "The new LM3485 switching controller is the industry's first Hysteretic PFM switching solution for customers who need a simple-to-design, easy-to-use and low component count alternative to the traditional complex switching controller."

National offers free on-line power management product selection and simulation tools as well as thermal simulation capability. As a world leader in power management technology, National provides real-world solutions designed to shorten design cycle and speed customers' time-to-market. More information about National's complete power solutions is located at: http://power.national.com .

Packaging, Pricing and Availability

National's new LM3485 switching controller is now available in the MSOP-8 packaging and is priced at $0.50 each in 1,000 units. To view a high-resolution downloadable photo, visit National's photo gallery at http://www.national.com/company/pressroom/gallery/power.html .

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; displays; information appliances; and information infrastructure. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 9,800 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.

NOTE: National Semiconductor is a registered trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation. All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.