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August 19, 1996 -- National Semiconductor today announced release of the LM9801, a highly integrated sensor processor. Among the sensor's integrated functions are correlated double sampling for black level and offset compensation resulting in minimum noise and offset error, and pixel rate gain adjust that maximizes the dynamic range and resolution, even on "weak " pixels. The new IC is designed for 8-bit resolution frequently required for both gray scale and color applications in scanners, digital copiers, and multifunction peripherals.

"With the market's explosive growth in demand for both sheet-fed and flatbed scanners, designers are looking for new ways to minimize design and development costs," said Steve Null, National's product marketing manager. "On the other hand, consumers still expect high-quality images from their consumer-priced peripheral. National is committed to providing optimized solutions for imaging systems at price points our customers require."

The LM9801 performs all the analog functions necessary for charge coupled devices (CCD) and contact image sensors (CIS). In addition to correlated double sampling, the device features a 9dB range line rate variable gain amplifier and a 9dB pixel rate shading correction. At 175mW, the device meets most requirements for low-power applications and includes powerdown capability.

Operating at a 2.5 million pixel/sec conversion rate, the LM9801 linearizes the pixel stream in the analog domain, digitizes the signal and generates all the necessary clock signals and control functions to drive the system's image sensor, correction RAM and data RAM. An internal configuration register sets CCD and CIS sampling timing. With the ability to adjust all of the timing signals, designers can quickly adapt various sensors to their system without sacrificing time-to-market.

Pricing and Availability:

The LM9801 is now available in volume quantities in a plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC) priced at $7.80 in 1000-lot units. A thin quad flat pack (TQFP) package will also be available in Q4. National Semiconductor Corporation® designs, develops and markets semiconductor Technologies For Moving and Shaping Information®. The company focuses on strategic markets within the communications, personal systems, industrial and consumer markets. National Semiconductor is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has 20,000 employees worldwide. In fiscal year 1996, the company reported sales of $2.6 billion.

A96004DA

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LIT #108313-001