National Semiconductor Introduces New Thin-Client Solution Focused on Improving Graphics and Display Resolution

New Solution Further Consolidates National's Leadership in All Spectrums of Thin-Client/Server-Based Computing Market

Santa Clara, CA -- 3/12/2001 -- Users of thin clients will be able to enjoy better graphics performance, higher display resolution and improved system-level performance, thanks to a new value-added enhancement to the Geode™ processor family from National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM), the world leader in integrated solutions for thin-client systems. In addition to offering increased system integration and reducing power consumption, this new solution is specifically designed to provide the highest performance, x86 multimedia architecture to the thin-client/server-based computing market.

At a clock speed of 333 MHz, this new version of the Geode GX1 processor provides a 10 percent improvement in the SDRAM memory bandwidth to the end system, compared with the existing Geode GX1 offerings. The Geode GX1-333 processor, along with the new CS5530A companion chip, supports a display resolution of 1280 x 1024 x 16-bit/pixel color depth at 85 MHz screen refresh rate, which further improves graphics performance and display resolution for mid- to high-end thin clients. This benefit translates to less stress on users' eyes.

Thin client market leaders such as Wyse Technology have chosen the new solution to power their thin client systems. "As the leader in the thin-client industry, Wyse Technology has long worked with National Semiconductor to push the edge of the performance envelope," said Jeff McNaught, vice president of customer marketing at Wyse Technology. "With the improvement in graphics and display resolution offered by this enhancement of National's Geode technology, Wyse thin clients are now, more than ever, the superior terminal replacement and the simpler desktop equal of the latest PCs."

"With the introduction of its new Geode solution, National Semiconductor is demonstrating its leadership in driving the continued adoption of server-based computing," said David Weiss, vice president of marketing at Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CTXS). "We believe this technology offers our mutual customers valuable benefits that can enhance the performance and bandwidth efficiency of thin clients in a Citrix environment. These enhancements complement the speed, low bandwidth consumption and reliability provided by Citrix application serving technology."

Manufactured on National's advanced 0.18-micron process technology, the Geode GX1-333 processor and the CS5530A companion chip provide a high level of system integration. This also leads to tremendous space savings for size-critical thin clients. The processor's x86 multimedia architecture delivers a no-compromise Internet experience because popular software plug-in modules for the Internet are supported, making it the best choice for thin clients that run custom and/or local applications such as a Web browser.

"National is sharply focused on providing value-added solutions that enable our customers to accelerate the growth of the thin-client market," said Ziv Azmanov, director of thin client business unit at National. "Our Geode technology offers the best combination of low power, low cost and high performance, and makes National the solution of choice in the thin-client market today and tomorrow."

The Geode GX1-333 processor functionality includes the x86 processor core, display controller and 2D accelerator, as well as system memory and PCI bus host controllers. Typical power dissipation at 80 percent active idle, which includes the CPU and on-chip peripherals, is only 1.4W.

Pricing, Packaging and Availability
Currently shipping in enhanced ball grid array (EGBA) and ceramic pin grid array (CPGA) packages, the Geode GX1-333 processor is pin-for-pin compatible with all other Geode GX1 processors. The Geode GX1 family of processors ranges in pricing from $28 to $42 in quantities of 10,000 units, and is available through National's authorized distributors.

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.