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Arlington
analog fab |
NS32032
microprocessor |
Digitalker used
National's analog |
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1980
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The first speech synthesizer, Digitalker™, consisting of ROM and a speech processor, is introduced. National Advanced Systems division formed to sell IBM-compatible mainframes. Five-inch (125 mm) wafers are built in Santa Clara.
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1981
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The NSC800™, the industry's first silicon-gate advanced CMOS microprocessor, is introduced. Sales total $1.1 billion on net earnings of $52.4 million. National's Dynamic Noise Reduction technology is found in high-end car stereos.
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1982
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DataChecker's POSitalker™ calls out prices in a clear human voice, using National's speech synthesis technology.
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1983
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National Advanced Systems ships more than 900 IBM-compatible mainframes to more than 2,000 customer sites. National acquires Data Terminal Systems.
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1984
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The NS32032, a 32-bit microprocessor, is announced after investing more than $45 million in the effort. National introduces 256K dynamic RAM.
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1985
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Sales total $1.787 billion on earnings of $51.8 million. Six-inch (150 mm) wafers begin production in Arlington, Texas.
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1986
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National consolidates into two businesses--semiconductor and systems. The Vertically Integrated PNP (VIP) process for high-performance linear circuits is introduced.
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1987
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National acquires Fairchild Semiconductor for $122 million from Schlumberger Ltd. National introduces the DP8500, the fastest VLSI graphics engine on the market. Canon, Inc. of Japan selects National the Series 32000 32-bit microprocessor for its laser printers. National joins the U.S. semiconductor industry to form Sematech, a cooperative venture by U.S. semiconductor companies to collaborate on new process technologies.
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1988
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The Fairchild Research Center opens in Santa Clara. National joins Singapore Technology Corporation and Sierra Semiconductor Corporation to form Chartered Semiconductor, a Singapore-based company that will manufacture CMOS ASICs. National is the largest supplier of Ethernet controller chips.
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1989
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National Advanced Systems (NAS) is sold to Hitachi Data Systems for $386 million, and Datachecker Systems, Inc., is sold to ICL Inc. Danbury facility closes.
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