February 20, 2002 - National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM) announced today its charitable foundation has provided a $1.35 million grant to the University of California at Berkeley's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The grant will fund a new mixed-signal systems laboratory as well as endow a distinguished professorship.
The National Semiconductor Mixed-Signal Systems Lab, which officially opens today, replaces an antiquated lab that was still using equipment from the 1960s. The completely renovated facility doubles the floor space and greatly increases the number of lab stations available to students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science. It also provides students with an upgraded venue and state-of-the-art equipment to pursue hands-on coursework in mixed-signal semiconductor technology.
Mixed-signal circuits combine both analog and digital functionality on the same system and, among other functions, provide the essential link between people and electronic information. National, which has a rich heritage in analog circuits, is a recognized leader in mixed-signal technology used in displays, cellular phones, communications infrastructure equipment and information appliances.
The grant will also endow a new, distinguished professorship in the College of Engineering. At a campus ceremony today, Dr. Robert Meyer, a renowned authority in the field of integrated circuit design, was awarded as the first National Semiconductor Distinguished Professor. The award recognizes and supports the work of outstanding, highly accomplished faculty members.
"National Semiconductor has partnered with our department for many years, and we are thrilled to be able to enhance our department's mixed-signal curriculum through the renovated lab," said Dr. S. Shankar Sastry, Chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences. "With the advent of ubiquitous computer devices and the convergence of computing and communications, it is important to give the students a good grasp of mixed signal circuits. The National Semiconductor gift goes a long way in realizing this curriculum in the laboratory and with the distinguished faculty chair."
"Analog brings sight and sound to digital information. In fact, countless applications benefit when analog and digital are combined to create mixed-signal integrated circuits including cell phones with longer battery life, displays with clearer pictures and information appliances that provide people with enhanced Internet experiences," said Brian Halla, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Semiconductor. "National is one of the few semiconductor companies in the world that has mastered mixed-signal design and manufacturing. So, helping students to understand the intricacies and possibilities of this technology is vitally important to us."
National's product portfolio includes numerous mixed-signal devices, and the company manufactures these integrated circuits at all of its manufacturing facilities. In addition, company engineers invent products utilizing mixed-signal technology at dozens of design centers around the world.
National's $1.35 million grant to U.C. Berkeley represents the largest National Semiconductor Foundation grant to date. Despite the economic downturn, the company has been able to provide more substantial grants to its community partners through its charitable foundation, which National launched in August 2000 to support education and address critical community needs.
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 the last fiscal year and employs about 9,800 people worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.
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