National Semiconductor Launches Major Expansion of Analog University

Designed to meet the information needs of novice, mid-career and experienced design engineers, Analog University is a no-cost online environment 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. The 100 new classes are focused on end-user applications such as medical, industrial, automotive, test and measurement, and power management solutions.

"National's Web site organizes product-related information and delivers content in a context that helps design engineers solve their on-the-job learning problems," said Geoffrey Bock, senior vice president at the Patricia Seybold Group. "By relentless focus on its customers and providing them with the information, education, and experiences they need to do their jobs, National's Web site has emerged as one of the most innovative in the high-technology industry."

"Analog University integrates applications expertise, multimedia presentations by industry gurus and WEBENCH(R) online design tools into a single suite that slashes time-to-knowledge for design engineers," said Phil Gibson, vice president marketing National Semiconductor. "This expansion of Analog University provides a central learning environment for National's customers, sales channels and supply chain that is unmatched in our industry."

Enhancements to Analog University

Analog University is organized into four divisions and a Resource Center. Analog University focuses on engineers who need to learn about current design techniques in high-performance analog electronics technologies. New additions include:

  -- National's School of Analog Design:  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. To see a
     typical module of the integrated coursework, online design tools,
     self-test features, KnowledgeBase search capability, plus reading and
     research assignments visit
     http://www.national.com/AU/design/1,4706,1_0_,00.html
  -- National's Distributor Hall:  Designed for the exclusive use of
     National's distribution business partners and National sales people,
     the hall is designed so users can easily match a customer's application
     to the appropriate selection from more than 15,000 National products.
     The Distributor Hall targets sales and field application engineers and
     provides them with instructional content about new semiconductor
     products and applications.
  -- National Sales Academy:  Designed for use by National sales people, the
     Academy enables sales engineers to choose online coursework that will
     enhance their understanding of National's customer's business and
     products.
  -- National's Partner Pavilion:  Offers design solutions from National's
     partner companies. Included are tools and solutions for test and
     measurement, FPGAs, and passive components. The Partner Pavilion
     incorporates instructional content provided by National's business
     partners, such a how to use of National Instruments' Signal Express(R)
     to test the functionality of a National Semiconductor device in a
     system. In addition a comprehensive listing of electronics industry
     standards.
  -- National's Resource Center:  Hosts the virtual library, online lab,
     technical support, the "techno-tainment" theatre with the Bob Pease
     Show, plus profiles of National's expert faculty members.

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 faculty. Most lessons begin with an hour-long online streaming media seminar. Students may access new live seminars or choose among 50 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 the WEBENCH online design environment. 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

Since March 2003 when it was originally opened, Analog University has established a strong presence on the Internet, with more than 200,000 visitors to date and 18,000 successfully completed exams.

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, 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 $1.98 billion for fiscal 2004, which ended May 30, 2004. Additional company and product information is available at http://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.

CONTACT: Mike Brozda of National Semiconductor, +1-408-721-3628, or
mike.brozda@nsc.com

Web site: http://analogu.national.com/

Web site: http://www.national.com/