NATIONAL INTRODUCES 15MHz-COP8 MICROCONTROLLER WITH 50 PERCENT IMPROVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE

Memory-efficient COP8FGR7 Integrates 32kB EPROM, Ultra-low EMI Among Many Other Features for Powerful USART Serial Data Applications

July 20, 1999 - National Semiconductor Corp®. today announces the first 15MHz COP8 microcontroller featuring highly memory-efficient 32kB EPROM and EMI reduction circuitry among many other features. The COP8FGR7 is designed to be used in serial data control applications for desktop phone systems, electronic metering, car radios, remote controls for consumer appliances, and controllers for security systems and fire alarms.

"The 15MHz COP8FGR7 with all of its features offers the best price/performance point for OTP (one-time programmable) microcontrollers in the industry. It also is one of the most code-efficient microcontrollers available--packing more programming into the smallest memory space, compared to competitive offerings. This means that the 32 kiloBytes of EPROM and 512 Bytes of RAM give high-volume OTP microcontroller users the most memory bang for the buck to meet their growing needs for more on-chip memory,? according to Naresh Shetty, National?s director of marketing for Analog Microcontrollers.

"Among the many features of the 8-bit COP8FGR7 is EMI reduction circuitry with highest immunity to electro-magnetic susceptibility in the industry, helping to ensure reliable and long-term operation,? Shetty added. ?With its rich feature set, this new microcontroller advances the wide acceptance of the COP8 family that gives customers what they need to meet their applications goals.?

Loaded with useful features, the COP8FGR7 contains: on-chip Power-On Reset, an on-chip RC oscillator that provides four clock options, full duplex UART/USART functionality, two analog comparators, a watchdog and clock monitor, up to eight high-current outputs, an idle and halt mode, a multi-input wake-up function and a MICROWIRE®/Plus serial interface, among others. The device also is available in an 8k EPROM and 256B RAM alternative for further cost-reduced applications.

Also on-board are three 16bit timers, each supporting a processor-independent PWM (pulse-wide modulation) mode, as well as an external event counter and an input capture mode. There are also eight Bytes of user storage for serial numbers, data codes, etc.

Pricing and Availability
The 15MHz COP8FGR7 family is available now in a variety of windowed and plastic packages over the industrial temperature range of -40 to 85 degrees C. Package types include 28-pin SO, 40-pin DIL, 44-pin PLCC and 44-pin PQFP.
Pricing in 1000-unit quantity ranges from $3.83 to $5.63 each. For more information visit www.national.com/cop8/

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor provides system-on-a-chip solutions for the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of the-art digital technology, the company's chips lead many sectors of the personal computer, communications, and consumer markets. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National has annual sales of $2 billion and 11,500 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.

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