CES, LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Semiconductor Corporation today announced the first in a new family of multi- functional, dynamically programmable products for powering advanced application and communication processors based on ARM(R) technology, including Intel`s XScale(R) processor family. National`s new single-chip, flexible power management unit (FlexPMU) features 12 integrated power domains for reduced board space and increased efficiency.

``National Semiconductor`s power management solution is an outstanding complement to the Intel(R) PXA27x applications processor. By leveraging technologies like Wireless Intel(R) SpeedStep technology, Intel is able to offer more granularity in the balance of power and performance and enhance the end user experience by promoting longer battery life,`` said Mark Casey, director and general manager of Intel`s Application Processor Business Unit.

The LP3970 FlexPMU dramatically reduces board space and significantly lowers overall cost in handheld devices including cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, MP3 players, digital cameras and other handheld products. Each FlexPMU supports real-time, software-controlled Dynamic Voltage Management (DVM), a feature that reduces overall system power consumption. The full-featured LP3970 FlexPMU combines an efficient set of programmable power supplies and a flexible back-up battery management system.

The LP3970 FlexPMU is fully compatible with Intel`s XScale product family and other processors designed for mobile use. It operates from a one-cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer battery pack and is available in a space-saving package.

``Today`s portable electronic markets demand more compact, higher-performance power solutions,`` said Peter Henry, vice president of National Semiconductor`s Portable Power Products Group. ``National`s new FlexPMU is a comprehensive design that provides high efficiency, reduces overall power consumption, and minimizes board space for products utilizing ARM-based applications processors.``

About National`s Power Management Products

National Semiconductor is the number one supplier of power management ICs with 12.8 percent market share, according to iSuppli`s 2004 voltage regulator/reference survey. National`s power management revenue grew 29.7 percent in 2003 over the previous year, compared to 17.3 percent growth for the industry during the same time period. National`s innovative power management products include best-in-class linear regulators; power monitoring, control and reference ICs; and switching converters, such as high-voltage ICs for DC/DC conversion, switched capacitor converters, lighting management ICs and inductive switching converters. National`s WEBENCH(R) online design tool allows designers to select a power management product, create and analyze a design, and then build custom prototypes that can be delivered within 24 hours. More information about National`s power management products is available at http://power.national.com/ .

Pricing and Availability

Available now in a 48-pin 7 mm x 7 mm x .08 mm LLP(R) (leadless leadframe) package, the LP3970 is priced at $4.50 in 1,000-unit quantities.

For more information on National`s power management products, visit http://power.national.com/ http://www.national.com/company/pres... . To view a high-resolution downloadable photo of this product, visit National`s photo gallery at .

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, communication interface products and data conversion solutions. National`s key markets include wireless handsets, displays, PCs and laptops. The company`s analog products are also optimized for numerous applications in a variety of electronics markets, including medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement. Headquartered 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/ .