National Semiconductor Launches Analog University Online
Industry's First Analog-Focused Distance Learning University Offers Free Professional Engineering Education and Instant Access to Expertise, Tools And Products
SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Semiconductor Corporation today launched Analog University, the industry's first online educational resources devoted entirely to analog semiconductor technologies. Designed to meet the information needs of novice, mid-career and experienced design engineers, Analog University is a no-cost online tool created to give designers fast access to technical information and training so they can solve real-world semiconductor applications issues in the shortest possible time.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020705/NSCLOGO )
In addition to Analog University, National also introduced Knowledge Base, a new online tool featuring the semiconductor industry's most powerful natural language search engine. Knowledge Base enables engineers to sift through vast amounts of technical resources on National's Web Site (http://www.national.com/) and generates highly targeted results within one to two seconds.
"Analog University is designed to improve an engineer's time-to-understanding which can also improve time-to-market for new products," said Bob Pease, National Semiconductor Staff Scientist and the first Dean of Analog University. "We provide a broad array of tools and practical coursework designed by National engineers who are real experts in analog technologies. Using Analog University, engineers can learn as fast and as much as they need."
Analog University: Fast Learning for Faster Designing
National's Analog University (analogu.national.com) features beginning, intermediate and advanced classes in eight different technologies: amplifiers, audio, data conversion, displays, low voltage differential signaling (LVDS), power management, thermal management and wireless.
All Analog University classes are interactive multimedia learning experiences focused on the latest in-depth techniques for designing new products with National's analog components. Each class module is built around a lesson plan designed by one or more of the 16 expert National engineers who form the university's first faculty. Most lessons begin with an hour-long online streaming media seminar. Students may access new live seminars or choose among 22 archived seminars presented by the Analog University faculty member engineers.
After the introductory seminar, each Analog University course progresses through interactive reading and research assignments. Courses also feature links to relevant materials including data sheets, applications notes, Knowledge Base and WEBENCH(TM) design simulation tools. Students move through the self-paced coursework and finish each lesson with an interactive multiple-choice computer-graded quiz. If students miss a question, they will be directed to related reading resources. Once students pass the quizzes, they will receive an online certificate of completion for the course.
Knowledge Base: Targeted Search Results in One Mouse Click
National's new online research tool, Knowledge Base (knowledgebase.national.com), is designed to work closely with Analog University. Knowledge Base offers instant access to 1,820 data sheets, 750 applications notes, 350 frequently asked questions (FAQs), and the National Edge online monthly magazine. A unique Knowledge Base feature is "This Week's Peek Into the Mind of Bob Pease" that highlights Bob's humorous quote of the week, dozens of his articles, as well as links to the online seminars.
Knowledge Base enables users to type questions in natural conversational language -- as if they were speaking to another person. The system interprets the request, retrieves the most pertinent data from multiple sources and dynamically generates a results page tailored to the user's query. The system recognizes abbreviations, variations in spelling or language usages.
To demonstrate the power and flexibility of this search engine, three sample search queries and results -- including difficult industry acronyms and deliberate misspellings -- are presented here:
I'D LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT: SEARCH RESULTS:
What's a CFB amplifier? -- Recognizes CFB as "current
feedback"
-- Directs users to the most
relevant page of PDF-type
applications notes
LDO stability -- Recognizes LDO as low
dropout regulator
-- Provides 3 pages or
results including FAQs,
data sheets, product
folders, online seminars
Amplificadores operacionales -- Recognizes selected
non-English queries
(here it is Portuguese)
-- Recognizes this phrase is
the same as "op amp" or
"operational amplifier"
and provides targeted
technical information
-- The system "learns"
appropriate responses
based on queries and is
updated regularly
The Knowledge Base search engine, powered by iPhrase technology, lets an engineer ask concept-driven questions in natural language and provides results that are far more relevant than simple keyword searches. Analog University and Knowledge base are available 24 hours a day using any personal computer equipped with a Web browser.
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 analog-based semiconductor products, which include stand-alone devices and subsystems in the areas of power management, imaging, display drivers, audio, amplifiers and data conversion. The company targets key markets such as wireless, displays, information infrastructure and a broad range of portable applications. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $1.5 billion for its most recent fiscal year. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.national.com/.
CONTACT: Mike Brozda of National Semiconductor, +1-408-721-3628, or
mike.brozda@nsc.com
Web site: http://analogu.national.com/
Web site: http://knowledgebase.national.com/
Web site: http://www.national.com/
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