National Semiconductor Introduces Three New Audio Amplifiers For High-Quality Home Stereo Systems

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Semiconductor Corporation today announced three new stereo audio amplifiers in its Overture(R) line of products for home stereo systems. National's newest audio amplifiers feature quiet fade-in/fade-out mute mode circuitry that gradually brings the sound up or down. These "easy on the ears" transitions enhance the listening experience in compact stereos, high-definition televisions (HDTVs), 5.1 surround sound systems and other consumer electronic equipment.

"National Semiconductor's high-quality, high-power Overture amplifier line complements our unique portfolio of audio amplifiers," said Gary Adrig, marketing director for National Semiconductor's audio products group. "This new series of Overture amplifiers provides the highest output power available in a single IC package. These new amplifiers provide customers with robust circuitry and built-in safeguards that produce the high-fidelity audio quality that consumers are demanding."

LM4780/81/82

National's LM4780 is a stereo audio amplifier capable of delivering 60W per channel of continuous average output power. The LM4781 is a three channel audio amplifier capable of delivering 35W per channel of continuous average output power into an 8 Ohm load, and the LM4782 is a three channel audio channel capable of delivering 25W per channel of continuous average output power into an 8 Ohm load, all with less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) from 20Hz-20kHz.

The LM4780/81/82 audio amplifiers are fully protected by National's self-peak instantaneous temperature (degree Ke) (SPiKe(TM)) protection circuitry. SPiKe circuitry provides a dynamically optimized safe operating area. SPiKe protection completely safeguards the LM4780/81/82 outputs against over-voltage, under-voltage, overloads, shorts to the supply or ground, thermal runaway and instantaneous temperature peaks. The advanced protection features of the LM4780/81/82 audio amplifiers are unique in the field of discrete and hybrid amplifiers. The LM4780/81/82 audio amplifiers can easily be configured for bridge or parallel operation for higher power and bi-amp solutions. All three audio amplifiers feature independent, smooth fade-in/out mute. In addition, the LM4782 has a power-conserving stand-by mode. The mute and stand-by modes can be controlled by external logic signals.

About National's Audio Portfolio

With a leading market share in audio amplifiers for cellular handsets, National delivers audio solutions to nearly every handset maker in the world. In addition to providing chips for cellular handsets, National manufactures Class AB and Class D audio amplifiers for consumer stereo and home theater systems, and headphone and speaker drivers in notebook computers and portable audio devices. For more information on National's audio products, visit http://www.national.com/appinfo/audio/ .

Pricing and Availability

The LM4780 is available now in 27-lead TO-220 packaging and is priced at $3.25. The LM4781 is available now in TO-220 packaging and is priced at $3.25. The LM4782 is available now in TO-220 packaging and is priced at $2.75. All prices are for 1,000-unit quantities. More information on the LM4780 is available at http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM4780.html , more information on the LM4781 is available at http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM4781.html , and more information on the LM4782 is available at http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM4782.html . To view a high-resolution downloadable photo of these products, visit National's photo gallery at http://www.national.com/company/pressroom/gallery/audio.html .

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor, the industry's premier analog company, creates high performance analog devices and subsystems. National's leading-edge products include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational amplifiers, imaging sensors and data conversion solutions. National's key markets include wireless handsets, displays, PCs, networks and a broad range of portable applications. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $1.67 billion for fiscal 2003, which ended May 25, 2003. Additional company and product information is available at http://www.national.com/.

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

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