National Semiconductor’s M-LVDS Transceivers Provide Highest Noise Margin for High-Speed Clock and Data Transfers

Four New Devices Deliver Signal Integrity Features for Error-Free Transfers in Backplane, Cable Applications

July 10, 2006 – National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM), a leading supplier of high-speed interface devices, today introduced four multipoint-low voltage differential signaling (M-LVDS) line drivers and receivers compliant to the EIA/TIA-899 M-LVDS standard.

National’s new DS91C176, DS91D176, DS91C180 and DS91D180 transceivers have superior drive capability and can support up to 32 loads at clock frequencies up to 100 MHz and data rates up to 200 Mbps. National Semiconductor designed the M-LVDS transceivers specifically for multipoint bus applications where a common bus connects multiple drivers and receivers. They feature balanced, controlled edge rates and feedback-enhanced outputs that maintain constant amplitude over a wide range of load conditions. This provides the highest noise margin in backplanes at frequencies up to 100 MHz.

The Advanced Telecom and Computing Architecture (ATCA) standard specifies M-LVDS as the interface for backplane synchronization clocks. These new devices from National are well-suited for clock distribution in ATCA platforms or other multipoint backplanes.

Along with increased drive, the M-LVDS transceivers have a typical controlled edge rate of 2 ns that minimizes signal reflections and electro-magnetic interference (EMI), and improves tolerance of unterminated backplane stubs. The transceivers also have a very large common-mode range for additional noise margin in heavily loaded and noisy backplane environments.

National extensively tested each of the new M-LVDS devices, using an ATCA-compliant backplane in a variety of loaded and empty plug-in card configurations, at different frequencies and with different stub lengths on the cards. The tests collected data with lightly loaded as well as a fully loaded card configurations, and with ¼ inch to 2 inch stub lengths. For clock frequencies up to 100 MHz under all conditions, the National M-LVDS devices delivered superior noise margin over competitive solutions. National’s application note AN-1503, “Designing an Advanced TCA-Compliant M-LVDS Clock Distribution Network,” explains and summarizes these test results. The AN-1503 note is available at http://www.national.com/an/AN/AN-1503.pdf.

Key Technical Features of the DS91C176 and DS91D176 Transceivers
Available in 8-pin SOIC narrow packages, the DS91C176 and DS91D176 are M-LVDS differential, half-duplex transceivers that accept LVTTL/LVCMOS signals at the driver input and convert them to differential M-LVDS signal levels. They operate up to 100 MHz for clocks and 200 Mbps for data. The receiver inputs accept low-voltage differential signals (LVDS, B-LVDS, M-LVDS and LV-PECL) and convert them to 3V LVCMOS signals. The DS91C176 receiver contains an M-LVDS type 2 failsafe circuit with an internal 100 mV offset that provides a LOW output for both short and open-input conditions.

For more information on the DS91C176 and DS91D176 or to order samples, visit http://www.national.com/pf/DS/DS91C176.html and http://www.national.com/pf/DS/DS91D176.html. An evaluation board for the DS91D176 is also available at www.national.com/store/view_item/index.html?nsid=DS91D176TEVK

Key Technical Features of the DS91C180 and DS91D180 Line Drivers and Receivers
Available in 14-pin SOIC narrow packages, the DS91D180 and DS91C180 contain a full-duplex M-LVDS line driver and receiver. They operate up to 100 MHz for clocks and 200 Mbps for data. The driver input accepts LVTTL/LVCMOS signals and convert them to differential M-LVDS signal levels. The receiver accepts low-voltage differential signals (LVDS, B-LVDS, M-LVDS, LV-PECL) and converts them to 3V LVCMOS signals. The DS91C180 receiver contains an M-LVDS type 2 failsafe circuit with an internal 100 mV offset that provides a LOW output for both short and open input conditions.

For more information on the DS91C180 and DS91D180 or to order samples, visit http://www.national.com/pf/DS/DS91C180.html and http://www.national.com/pf/DS/DS91D180.html.

National’s LVDS Technology
National Semiconductor’s low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) technology is a low-power, low-noise method for high-speed data transmission over copper interconnects. LVDS solves current and future high-performance data transmission challenges in bandwidth-hungry applications by delivering data at gigabits per second at milliwatts of power. National is the world’s largest supplier of high-speed LVDS products, according to Databean’s 2005 Analog IC Market Share survey. National’s LVDS products include interface line drivers and receivers, LVDS-LVDS signal conditioners, LVDS-LVDS switching/multiplexing/repeating functions, LVDS serializer/deserializers, FPD link display solutions and ADCs with high-speed digital interfaces. For more information on National’s LVDS products, visit http://LVDS.national.com.

Pricing and Availability
Available now, the DS91C176, DS91D176, DS91C180 and DS91D180 are priced at $1.85 each in 1,000-unit quantities.

Note to editors: To view a high-resolution downloadable photo of these products, visit National’s photo gallery at www.national.com/company/pressroom/gallery/network.html

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor, the industry’s premier analog company, creates high-value analog devices and subsystems. National’s leading-edge products include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational amplifiers, interface products and data conversion solutions. National’s key analog markets include wireless handsets, displays and a variety of broad electronics markets, including medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement applications. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., National reported sales of $2.16 billion for fiscal 2006, which ended May 28, 2006. Additional company and product information is available at www.national.com.

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