National Semiconductor Develops Optimized Reference Design for Microsoft's "Mira" Software to Enable Smart Display Devices for the Home

International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Las Vegas -- 1/7/2002 -- National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM), a Microsoft Windows Embedded gold partner and recent recipient of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Embedded silicon vendor of the year award, announced today that it is developing a reference design for "Mira," code name for a set of Windows technologies that will enable a new generation of display devices. These new "Mira"-enabled smart displays will extend the PC experience to anywhere in the home. National's Geode™ family of processors will be one of the key components of these devices.

Utilizing the power and flexibility of Microsoft Windows CE .NET, "Mira" will allow wireless devices from OEMs to deliver the PC experience throughout the home. "Mira" will enable smart displays in a variety of instant-on, silent-running form factors ranging from a primary PC monitor that detaches to become a portable touch screen monitor, to a large TV that presents photos and music from your PC. National's Geode family of products is the ideal x86 processor platform upon which OEMs can build their "Mira" devices.

National's Geode processor, winner of Micro Design Resources' 2001 Best Highly Integrated 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 will provide the optimal balance of price, power and performance required by "Mira"-enabled smart displays. Coupled with a complete set of reference designs and development support, National's Geode processor will allow OEMs to bring "Mira"-enabled devices to market quickly.

"We're excited that Microsoft is taking advantage of the strengths and infrastructure of our Geode processor for this program," said Michael Polacek, vice president of National Semiconductor's Information Appliance Division. "The combination of 'Mira' and the Geode processor will dramatically expand the functionality of the PC and information appliances, and help to drive the future of home Internet use."

The potential for products based on the combined technologies of the Geode processor and "Mira" smart displays can be seen today through National's presence in the information appliance market, namely in commercial thin clients, set-top boxes and mobile personal access devices. Devices powered by the Geode processor from companies such as Compaq, IBM, Dell and Wyse, hold a nearly 90% share of the growing thin client market. In addition, capability for the Geode processor in mobile technology can be seen in an emerging class of wireless personal access devices, from companies such as Honeywell, DT Research and Philips.

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

"National Semiconductor recognizes that time-to-market is of utmost importance to OEMs developing consumer devices," said Todd Warren, general manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft. "By providing reference designs for 'Mira'-enabled devices, National Semiconductor will enable OEMs to quickly develop these next-generation displays that will allow consumers to experience the power of Windows XP from anywhere in their home."

See National at CES
Note to editors attending CES: While at CES, take a peek at some of the technology that will enable future 'Mira' devices. Make an appointment to talk with National executives at National's meeting room number M17631, located in the new South hall, 2nd floor. Contact Gayle Bullock at (408) 464-2516 for an appointment.

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.