February 12, 2001 - National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM) and Motorola (NYSE:MOT) Energy Systems Group, a business unit of the company's Integrated Electronic Systems Sector, today announced their cooperative plans to design and develop new methods of protection and energy management for lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer energy systems for portable electronics. These unique methods will significantly reduce the part count and size of lithium energy systems used in portable electronics for mobile devices and increase the functionality of lithium systems.
The decision to jointly develop this innovative method of protection and energy management was based on an increasing need to provide total energy solutions and increased functionality to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Motorola Energy Systems Group (ESG), with an extensive history of providing complete energy systems, combines its lithium-ion and safety expertise with National Semiconductor's capabilities in power management, integrated circuits and low voltage processes to introduce a new method of protection and charging for lithium systems. In developing this technology, ESG and/or National Semiconductor have filed over 15 patent applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
"Our collaborative effort with ESG is based on the development of highly innovative design techniques using conventional low-voltage processes," said Peter Henry, director, portable power systems, National Semiconductor's Portable Power Products. "These innovations are possible because of a close working relationship between ESG and National designers during the development of the silicon."
"Given the current and projected demand for high-density lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer battery packs, it's clear that our customers require complete energy solutions for a full range of size and capacity considerations," said Tony Mampilly, Motorola Energy Systems Group corporate vice president and general manager. "Equally important are the safety and charging features that must be part of the total embedded solutions - the DigitalDNA?- for today's portable electronics."
About Motorola
Motorola Energy Systems Group (ESG) is a business unit of the Motorola Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS). ESG provides complete, integrated energy systems solutions for portable electronics leveraging a broad range of technologies and systems expertise. IESS is a leading provider of advanced electronic products and systems for customers integrating electronics into their products. Motorola IESS solutions provide the brains - the DigitialDNA - that make electronic systems simpler, safer, smarter and more synchronized.
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2000 were $37.6 billion. www.motorola.com/esg
About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; information appliances; information infrastructure; and display, imaging and human interface technologies. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 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
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