Miscellaneous

Is "Operating Temperature Range" based on Junction Temperature (Tj) or Ambient Temperature (Ta)?

"Junction Temperature," or Tj, is the temperature within the silicon device, while "Ambient Temperature," or Ta, is the temperature of the ambient environment in which the packaged silicon device is being used. The operating characteristics of silicon are dependent on Tj, and for a given Ta, the end-user''s circuit board (PCB), thermal management, and loading play a big role in what the final Tj will be.  To allow the end-user maximum flexibility, silicon manufacturers normally do not control these factors.. Thus, the Temperature Range for a device generally relates to Junction Temperature, unless otherwise indicated.

For more information about power dissipation and its effect on integrated circuits, please see "Understanding Integrated Circuit Package Power Capabilities (also known as "Appendix E" or AN-450).


Are Logic products available from National Semiconductor?

National Semiconductor offers Logic products for Military-Aerospace programs. Product types include ABT, FACT, ECL, Low-Power Schottky, FAST, TTL, CMOS, HCMOS, and CD4000 series. For information, please consult the Mil-Aero Featured Site.

In March 1997, National sold the commercial Logic, EEPROM, Memory, and Discrete portions of its business to Fairchild Semiconductor. Obtain information about Fairchild Semiconductor products from their website, www.fairchildsemi.com.


Does National Semiconductor manufacture discrete devices such as diodes, zeners, thyristors, or transistors?

National produces many types of precision voltage reference, an integrated circuit often used in a zener function. See the Current Reference, Series Voltage Reference, or Shunt Voltage Reference parametric selection guides . National Semiconductor Corp. does not manufacture discrete devices such as diodes, zeners, thyristors, or transistors. Some of these devices were included in the March 1997 sale of the commercial Logic, EEPROM, Memory, and Discrete portions of National''s business to Fairchild Semiconductor. Information about Fairchild Semiconductor discrete devices can be found on their website, at www.fairchildsemi.com. In addition, many of National''s distributors carry lines of discrete devices from other manufacturers.

Relevant Part: 2n2222;2n;npd
Is the GAL16V8 currently available from National?
No. National manufactured the GAL (gate array logic) devices, including the GAL16V8, in the 1990s. The products have since been discontinued, with no replacement available
Relevant Part: GAL16V8
Where can I find information on the CMOS Image Sensors and Imaging product family?

National Semiconductor''s Imaging group, consisting primarily of the CMOS Imaging sensors and processors, was sold to Eastman Kodak in 2004. See the Imaging page for details.

Relevant Part: LM9617;LM9618;LM9619;LM9627;LM9628;LM9630;LM9637;LM9638;LM9647;LM9702
Does National Semiconductor manufacture rice cookers, refrigerators, or other household appliances?

National Semiconductor Corporation, a U.S.A.-based manufacturer of semiconductor products, does not produce household appliances such as rice cookers. Products such as these are manufactured by National/Panasonic, a brand of Matsushita Electric Inductrial Co., Ltd., and a manufacturer of consumer products.

Relevant Part: riceomat
Where can I buy obsolete products, formerly made by National?

We suggest that you contact a distributor or broker that specializes in obsolete parts. One such distributor is Rochester Electronics at 978-462-9332.


Where can I find cross-references for competitive devices?

To identify National Semiconductor products that are cross-references of competitive devices, please use our Cross Reference Search.


How do I find an Application Note?

Application Notes may be found using several methods.

  1. A complete list of Application Notes, categorized by topic, is available from the Application Notes web page.
  2. Most Featured Product Sites contain a listing of relevant Application Notes.
  3. Application Notes for particular devices are listed in the Application Notes section of the device''s product folder. Search for the device, click on the link for the product folder, and see the Application Notes toward the bottom of the product folder page.
  4. If you know the specific Application Note you wish to find, enter the document number (such as AN-1069) in the "Search" window, which is on the National Semiconductor home page or at the top & bottom of other pages on the website, or on the Search page. This will direct you to a link for that application note, or a list of application notes with similar numbers. The Application Note is provided in PDF form, and can be viewed online.

What is a semiconductor?

A semiconductor, as produced by National Semiconductor, is a solid crystalline substance, usually silicon, that can conduct electricity under controllable conditions. Its conductance depends on current or voltage applied to a control node, which may also respond to infrared radiation, visible light, x-rays, ultraviolet light, or temperature. The properties of the semiconductor depend on impurities (dopants) that have been added to the silicon.

A good general description of how semiconductors work can be found on the "How Stuff Works" website.


What is a transistor?
A transistor controls the flow of current or presence of voltage in a circuit, acting as a switch, gate or amplifier for electronic signals. The transistor may be driven in a digital manner, so that the "gate" is either on or off, or it may be operated in an analog manner, allowing variable current flow depending on the needs of the circuit

What is an integrated circuit?
An integrated circuit (or IC, microchip, or chip) is an electronic circuit made of multiple transistors, resistors, and/or capacitors interconnected on the same semiconductor die

What is analog?
Analog (or linear) electronics use continuously-varying current or voltage signals which represent real-world information, such as sound, light, pressure, and temperature. These electronics are typically used to control or measure this information, or to provide a display or other tangible feedback. National Semiconductor makes analog-based semiconductor products, including stand-alone devices and subsystems, in the areas of power management, imaging, display drivers, audio, amplifiers, and data conversion. National''s chips are used extensively in mobile and cordless telephones, local area networks, and many other electronic devices that bring people "The Sight and Sound of Information.

How can I get a copy of the Linear Applications Handbook?

The Linear Applications Handbook is currently out of print. However, individual application notes can be found using the following methods.

  1. A complete list of Application Notes, categorized by topic, is available from the Application Notes web page.
  2. Most Featured Product Sites contain a listing of relevant Application Notes.
  3. Application Notes for particular devices are listed in the Application Notes section of the device''s product folder. Search for the device, click on the link for the product folder, and see the Application Notes toward the bottom of the product folder page.
  4. If you know the specific Application Note you wish to find, enter the document number (such as AN-1069) in the "Search" window, which is on the National Semiconductor home page or at the top & bottom of other pages on the website, or on the Search page. This will direct you to a link for that application note, or a list of application notes with similar numbers. The Application Note is provided in PDF form, and can be viewed online.

How can I request National''s Product Data CD-ROM?

National''s Product Data CD-ROM may be ordered from the online Store. The CD-ROM contains datasheets, system diagrams, and other product information from National''s web site.

The CD-ROM is available for a nominal fee, subject to customs duties outside the USA (depending on the country). Registration is required for this feature as we need to have certain information to process your order (name, address, etc.). When you sign on as a new user, an email is sent out to you with a confirmation URL. You need to click on the URL included in the email to confirm your ID. To register as a user of National''s web site, please sign on and fill out the subsequent "New User" form.

Hard-copy databooks are not currently available.


How do I find a datasheet for a particular product?

The datasheet for a specific product may be found in the online product folder for that device. Enter the part number in the "Search" window, which is on the National Semiconductor home page or in the header of other pages on the website. This will direct you either to a list of product folders for products with similar part numbers, or directly to the product''s folder. The datasheet is provided in PDF form, and can be viewed online, downloaded, or sent via email.

Other tools for finding datasheets include:


Where can I find information on the Foveon X3 image sensor, used in digital photography?

The Foveon X3 image sensor is designed by Foveon and manufactured at National''s world-class South Portland, Maine facility. In March 2002, the X3 was awarded the German CHIP computer magazine''s prestigious CeBIT Highlights 2002 Innovation Award. The Foveon X3 sensor is used in the highly-rated Sigma SD9 digital SLR camera.


How do I order samples of National''s products? What is National''s sample policy?

National is pleased to offer product samples over the web to qualified customers. However, we must limit the maximum number of sample orders to five per week. The samples of a particular device may or may not incur a nominal shipping & handling fee. The final cost of the order will be available, once this sample request has been confirmed in your email. At that time, you may cancel the order if you wish to.

National provides this on-line sample service to help qualified design engineers accelerate their new product designs. We reserve the right to limit the distribution of samples for non-qualified enterprises. If you have problems or questions ordering samples on-line, please contact our Customer Response Group through feedback or place orders with our authorized distributors.

To place an order, simply find the desired Product Folder using the search box at the top of each page, the Price & Availability List, or the Parametric Search. Follow the links to the Product Folder from the search results. Each product folder contains a "Package, Pricing, Samples, and Availability table," where you can find links to the Product Sample Order form for each device, if samples are available. A personal Sign-On is required for this feature as we need to have certain information to process your order (name, address, etc.).


How can I find information on my web orders and shipping details?

National Semiconductor offers an easy way to check your order status or shipping details. Simply position your mouse over "My Profile," located in the header of nearly every National web page, and click on " Order Status." There you will find information that includes your order id, order date, order type, items ordered, quantity, and ship date.

For National direct customers, you may also look at your company''s private portal under the Private Sites link, located in the header of most National web pages.

If you have additional questions regarding your web orders or shipping details, you may contact our Technical Support Center.


Where can I find information about National''s Analog Seminar series?

The 2007 Analog Seminar series, "Power Management Design", is being held in 9 locations throughout Europe and 25 locations throughout North America. Topics include DC to DC Converter Topologies and Methodologies, Power Management Design Techniques, and Real World Application Examples. The seminar overview, detailed agenda and locations are provided for the Europe seminars and the North America seminars.


Where can I find information about National''s products in die or wafer form?

All questions related to National Semiconductor''s products in die or wafer form must be addressed by our Die Distributors. Please visit our Die products web site . Or contact National Semiconductor directly at Contact Us/feedback .

For pricing and availability, please contact one of our Die Distributors .


How can I get a certificate from Analog University, signed by Bob Pease?

Go to the Analog University campus and enter the School of Analog Design. Many courses are available on topics ranging from A (Amplifiers) to W (Wireless). Select a course from the Course Catalog, and complete the suggested assigments. Each course has a test that can then be taken to check your comprehension. When you pass the test, a link is provided for you to customize and print your very own Certificate of Completion, signed by Bob Pease, the dean of Analog University.


How can I subscribe to an RSS feed, to receive the latest news from National?

National Semiconductor''s latest news is available through RSS feeds, which use a technology called XML to deliver headlines and summaries to your desktop or Web browser.

RSS feeds are available for several standard RSS readers, including FeedDemon, FeedReader, RSS Feeder, and SharpReader, as well as web-browser-based readers. To subscribe to an RSS feed, please follow the instructions on the RSS News Feeds page.


I don''t remember my password, or I don''t have one yet. How do I reset my password? Do I need a password to access information on National''s website?

A sign-on and password are not required to access information on National''s website. However, if you wish to place an order, receive news and updates, or use some of the design tools, a sign-on is required, to protect your privacy. To register as a user and set up your profile, go to the Login page. If you have fogotten your password, a new one can be requested by entering your email id (which is also your sign-on id). After you submit your email, you will receive an email with an new password, which will enable you to sign on. Once you have signed on, you can change your password to something you will remember.


Is LabVIEW a product of National Semiconductor?

LabVIEW is an analysis tool from National Instruments. National Semiconductor offers Webench, a set of online design and analysis tools for power supplies, active filters, amplifier applications, audio amplifiers, wireless PLL systems.


What is National''s Quality Policy?

National Semiconductor''s Quality Policy is to continuously improve our processes, products, and services to deliver solutions of the highest value, thereby providing a competitive advantage to our customers.


What is the corporate mission of National Semiconductor Corp.?

National Semiconductor creates analog-intensive solutions that provide more energy efficiency, portability, better audio and sharper images in electronics systems. See Corporate Information About National Semiconductor for further details.


Where can I find a list of available resources for system design engineers?

Design engineer resources are summarized in two places on National''s web site. A brief list of resources is available at the Design Engineer Product Information page. For a more detailed list of resources, plus access to Technical Support, see the Technical Support page.


Where can I find information about National 1st Federal Credit Union?

National 1st Federal Credit Union is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has branch offices in the Almaden area of San Jose, California, and in Arlington, Texas. National 1st FCU was formerly named National Semiconductor Federal Credit Union.


Where can I find information about National Car Rental?

You can find the National Car Rental site at http://www.nationalcar.com/ . National Semiconductor Corporation is not related to National Car Rental.


Where can I find information about National Geographic?

You can find the National Geographic Society''s web site at http://www.nationalgeographic.org/ . National Semiconductor Corporation is not related to National Geographic.


Where can I find information about jobs or internships at National Semiconductor?

National Semiconductor has a wide range of career opportunities available from co-op and entry level to professional. Please see our careers page for the latest job listings.


Where can I find information about purchasing National Semiconductor devices?

Pricing, inventories, and other purchasing information for National''s products can be found on the Purchasing web page. In addition, specific products can be searched for and selected, then purchased online either directly from National or through a distributor. To see if a particular product can be ordered online from National''s inventory, please check the Inventory page.


Where can I find information about the National Bank of Australia?

The web site for National Bank of Australia can be found at www.nab.com.au. National Bank of Australia is not related in any way to National Semiconductor Corp., a USA-based semiconductor manufacturer.


Where can I find information on "the basics" of analog products and analog system design?

National offers several sources of introductory information.


Where can I find information on the Charles E. Sporck Scholarship Program?

Information about the Charles E. Sporck Scholarship Program can be found on the Scholarship page. The Program is open to National Semiconductor employees, to assist employees'' children who plan to pursue education in university programs. It honors retired National CEO and board member Charles Sporck.


Where can I find links to Bob Pease''s "Pease Porridge" columns?

Bob Pease''s "Pease Porridge" columns, which appeared in Electronic Design magazine, can be accessed from Bob''s web page. Topics include "What''s All This Stuff About Analog Computing", "W.A.T.S.A. Floobydust", "W.A.T.S.A. Recipe Engineering", "W.A.T.S.A. Ripple Rejection", and the the occasional "Bob''s Mailbox".


Where can I find out about the Natcar competition?

National Semiconductor is a sponsor of the annual Natcar competition, as a partner with several universities. The objective of the competition is to design and construct an automomous race car that can negotiate a preset course in the shortest time possible. Information about the Natcar competition is available at the UC Davis Natcar web page.


Where can I find parametric tables for comparing device performance and specifications?

Parametric tables are available in our online catalog. The catalog is organized by device type, with similar devices grouped into tables so they may be compared by performance and specification values. Each table may be sorted by one column or multiple columns, to help find the product meeting your requirements.

Other means for selecting and comparing devices are included the WEBENCH online design environments. Amplifiers, and Wireless WEBENCH Designers include device recommendations based on your system requirements.


Where can I find the history of National Semiconductor?

The history of National Semiconductor can be found in the online summary "Celebrating Over 40 Years, 1959-Present".


Where can I find the most current Annual Report for National Semiconductor Corp.?

National''s Annual Reports are available on the Annual Reports web page. See additional information of interest to investors on the Investor Relations web page.


Where can I find whether a part number is obsolete? What is National''s process for obsoleting a part?

To identify products that are obsolete, please use our Obsolete Products Listing. This page also briefly explains the obsolescence procedure used by National.


Where can I get updates on National''s new products and design-in tools?

See the following web pages for news:

  • New products are listed on the What''s New page.
  • Other news about National Semiconductor may be found in the Press Releases.
  • Be sure you have the latest versions of product design-in tools by checking the Models & Software page.
  • Documents that have been changed within the last 30, 60, or 90 days are identified on the Product Notifications page.

Which distributors sell National Semiconductor products?

You can access a complete listing of National Semiconductor Distributors. These distributors include Arrow, Avnet, EBV Elektronik, Future, RS Components, Spoerle, and many other fine regional companies.

For small quantity orders, you can try Digikey, Farnell, or RS Components. For products that have been obsoleted, please try Rochester Electronics for possible availability.


Which languages does the National Semiconductor web site support?

While the National Semiconductor web site is based in the English language, many pages are also available in Japanese, Korean, Chinese Traditional, and Chinese Simplified. On the home page, www.national.com, there are links to enter these local-language sites.

Non-English European languages are somewhat supported by the Knowledge Base Search, which recognizes many common analog-oriented phrases in Spanish/Espanol, Portuguese, German, and other languages. When a phrase is recognized, the answers will be returned in English language.


Who is National Semiconductor Corp.?

National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age.