National Semiconductor's Latest RF Synthesizers Lead Industry With Lowest Power Consumption, Best System Performance

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Semiconductor Corporation today introduced the LMX248x family of high-performance, power-efficient PLLatinum(R) delta-sigma phase-locked loops (PLLs). These frequency synthesizers feature the industry's best spur performance for better signal sensitivity in voice and data systems as well as reduced current consumption of 75 percent over competitive offerings.

National's LMX248x family incorporates the industry's only selectable fourth-order delta-sigma modulator, which enables designers to reach optimal system performance with little effort. These high-performance frequency synthesizers are well-suited for wireless basestations and broad-market radio applications such as wireless local area networks (WLANs), WiMAX, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) loops, test and measurement equipment, satellite up and down links, and automotive applications.

"The LMX248x family offers our customers a higher-performing, lower-power PLL solution. These PLLs reduce design-in time and system cost by requiring fewer, less expensive external components," said Paul Boyer, product marketing manager for National's RF Products Group. "Our new proprietary delta-sigma architecture minimizes design tradeoffs in applications where optimizing phase noise, spurious performance and locktimes are critical."

Key Technical Features and Benefits of the LMX248x Family

The LMX2485E (extended frequency), LMX2485, LMX2486 and LMX2487 products cover a frequency range of 50 MHz to 6.0 GHz with advanced features that boost performance and ease of use such as:

-- Lowest power consumption (75 percent better than competitive offerings) -- A fourth-order programmable modulator allows users to select the optimal fractional engine to get the lowest fractional spurs -- Up to a 22-bit selectable fractional modulus that provides up to 1 Hz frequency resolution -- Fastlock/cycle slip reduction circuitry that enables faster locks at higher comparison frequencies, translating to faster locktimes with lower spurs -- An integrated time-out counter, eliminating the need for external components or programming overhead to achieve fastlock -- An on-chip crystal frequency doubler offers higher phase-detector frequencies that enables the use of lower-cost, low-frequency crystals Pricing and Availability

The LMX248x family is available now in a 24-pin LLP(R) lead-free package. Prices start at $2.32 in 1K-unit quantities for the LMX2485. A large selection of PLLs is supported by National's EasyPLL design software within National's award-winning WEBENCH(R) online design tools. To explore these solutions, visit http://www.national.com/appinfo/webench/EasyPLL . More information about National's wireless portfolio is available at http://wireless.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, communication 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, California, National reported sales of $1.91 billion for fiscal 2005, which ended May 29, 2005. Additional company and product information is available at http://www.national.com/.

NOTE: WEBENCH, LLP and PLLatinum are registered trademarks of National Semiconductor Corporation.

LuAnn Jenkins 408-721-2440 luann.jenkins@nsc.com