National Semiconductor and Partners Drive Development of "Mira"-enabled Smart Display Devices for the Home

New "Mira"-enabled, Geode Technology-based Smart Display Devices Showcased at CeBIT 2002

CeBIT-Hanover, Germany -- 3/13/2002 -- National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM), the world's leading technology provider for the information appliance market and a Microsoft Windows Embedded Partner Program gold member, announced today that it has created reference designs to speed deployment of smart display devices that support Microsoft's "Mira" project. In addition, National has lined up leading original device manufacturers (ODMs) and design partners to support the hardware and software integration of National's Geode? technology into "Mira"-enabled consumer devices.

"Mira," Microsoft's code name for a set of Windows software technologies that will enable a new generation of smart display devices, will extend the Windows XP PC experience to anywhere in the home. At CeBIT this year, National will show the first generation of "Mira"-enabled devices from a number of its ODM partners, including Tatung, DT Research and Wyse Technology (Hall 1, Stand 5c 8). Using different form factors, these devices are powered by National's award-winning family of Geode processors.

"National Semiconductor has recognized that time-to-market is of utmost importance to OEMs developing consumer devices," said Keith White, senior director of marketing, Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp. "By providing reference designs for 'Mira'-enabled devices, National Semiconductor is enabling OEMs to quickly develop these next-generation smart displays, enabling consumers to experience the power of Windows XP from anywhere in their home."

National's reference designs for "Mira," available now, are already being utilized by key ODMs and design houses to provide support for OEMs looking to get "Mira"-enabled devices to market by the end of 2002.

National's Geode processor incorporates in one chip the microprocessor, graphics and interfaces that can be used to drive the vast majority of "Mira" devices. Additionally, with its ultra-low power design and performance optimized for information appliances, the Geode processor provides the optimal balance of price, power and performance for "Mira"-enabled smart displays. Coupled with a complete set of reference designs and development support, National's Geode processor allows OEMs to bring "Mira"-enabled devices to market quickly.

• Tatung, a leading design and manufacturing company in Taiwan, will demonstrate its TWN-5213 web tablet. A wireless Internet terminal co-designed by both Tatung and NEC, the web tablet is lightweight, rugged, and features an integrated antenna and multimedia streaming capabilities. The TWN-5213 can also be viewed in Microsoft's booth (Hall 4, Stand A38) in the digital experience section during CeBIT
• DT Research, a systems development and integration company for information appliance products, will demonstrate the WebDT 380 wireless tablet. The WebDT 380 boasts a bright TFT display for a mobile experience based on wireless LAN standards, complemented by outstanding ergonomics and appearance.
• Wyse Technology, the worldwide leader in secure, managed thin clients will demonstrate a prototype of its 15" flat-panel home station at CeBIT.

"National has worked extensively with ODMs and design partners to create low-risk paths for OEMs to get devices to market quickly," said Jeff Waters, director of the Consumer Access Business Unit in National Semiconductor's Information Appliance Division. "National's flexible, easy-to-use reference platforms and high performance, low power Geode technology are the best solution for "Mira"-enabled smart display devices."

Along with the Geode processor, National's vast portfolio of wireless, power management, audio and display technologies provides a complete solution for "Mira"-enabled products.

See National at CeBIT
Products based on the combined technologies of the Geode processor and "Mira" software can be seen at CeBIT 2002 (Hanover, Germany, March 13-20) in National's booth, Hall 1, Stand 5c 8.

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; displays; information appliances; and information infrastructure. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 9,800 employees worldwide.