National Announces Cost-Efficient Version of Low -Voltage Boomer® Audio Amplifiers for Portable Communication Designs

June 12, 1997 - National Semiconductor Corporation® today announced availability of an economy version of its high-performance Boomer audio amplifiers. The device’s MSOP package, occupying only half the space of a standard SO-8, makes the mono-bridged LM4864 audio amplifier ideal for cell phones and cordless phones with stringent space limitations. The device is also available in a standard SO-8 package, which is pin compatible with Motorola’s MC34119 audio amplifier. Either the MSOP or SO-8 package is well suited for notebooks or desktop computers, hearing aids, portable radios and portable video games or toys.

"At low voltages, the LM4864 offers designers an audio amplifier solution in a mini package, without sacrificing output power or audio quality," said Shawn Scarlett, National's strategic audio marketing engineer. "Like other products in the Boomer family, this device is designed for high efficiency, design simplicity and quality sound. It's also the most cost-efficient Boomer amp, a solid performer that's at its best at 5V and below."

The supply range for the LM4864 is from 2.7V to 5.5V. At less than 5V, the LM4864 is able to drive loads as low as 4-ohms with no significant drop in output power. Power out at 8 ohms is 550mW with less than 1% THD.

The IC extends operating time of battery-powered systems by consuming as little as 0.7µ in shutdown/mute mode, lowest in the category. Moreover, an internal thermal shutdown mechanism protects the device from overheating, making it virtually indestructible.

Like other recent Boomer audio amplifiers from National, the LM4864 also operates without the aid of bootstrap capacitors or snubber networks. A minimal number of external components, combined with the product's small footprint, greatly simplifies overall system design, saves board space and lowers manufacturing costs.

Samples of the LM4864MM in a mini SO package are currently available. In quantities of 1000, the LM4864MM is priced at $0.95. The 8-pin small surface-mount package (SOIC) is designated LM4864M and is $0.90 in 1000s. Both are also available in a DIP package (LM4864N), also at $0.90 in quantities of 1000.

For more information on the LM4864, please visit our World Wide Web site at http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM4864.html.

National Semiconductor Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company, produces system-on-a-chip silicon solutions for the information highway, based on its leadership in analog and mixed signal technologies. National is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and focuses on the communications, personal systems and consumer markets. In March 1997 National sold its Fairchild Semiconductor businesses and now has 12,300 employees worldwide with annual sales of approximately $2.0 billion.

Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.