NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR DELIVERS SMPTE 259M CHIPSET

National's CLC020 SDV Encoder Represents a Low Power Alternative at an Attractive Price/Performance

April 3, 2000- National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM) today announced the CLC020, a Serial Digital Video (SDV) Encoder that serializes a parallel data stream at data rates compatible with the SMPTE 125M digital video standard. The encoder then generates a data stream compatible with SMPTE 259M, the industry standard for digital video within a professional environment. The CLC020 provides manufacturers of professional video equipment a solution that, at 250mW offers a 60 percent lower power dissipation, resulting in greater reliability, longer battery life in battery-powered applications and lower cost.

The CLC020 complements National's SDV chipset, which includes a cable driver, cable equalization, data retiming, decoding and crosspoint switch functions. The chipset enables a point-to-point interface, supporting a 400 Mb/s data link over a distance of 300m.

"The SDV Encoder takes National's existing chipset a step further. Building on the chipset's excellent reputation for both performance and value, adding the CLC020 creates an ideal solution for digital television," said Mark Sauerwald, technical marketing manager at National. "Our chipset solution, available through National's vast distribution network, is easier to set up and operate than similar products currently available in the marketplace."

Price and Availability
Available now and packaged in a 28-pin PLCC, the CLC020 is priced at $27.50 when purchased in quantities of 1,000. For more information on the CLC020, visit National's Web site at http://www.national.com/pf/CL/CLC020.html, or contact National's Customer Response Group at 1-800-272-9959.

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 reported sales of $2 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,500 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.