National Semiconductor And Ericsson Showcase The Ericsson Screen Phone HS210, A Complete Wireless Voice And Data Design

Santa Clara, CA -- 2/24/2000 -- National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM) today announced that it will showcase Ericsson's Screen Phone HS210, an Internet Appliance based on National® Geode™ WebPAD™ technology. Using Linux as its operating system, the appliance will be demonstrated this week by both companies at CeBIT 2000 (National Semiconductor, Hall 13, booth C52; Ericsson, Hall 26, booth D68). The Ericsson Screen Phone showcases functionality including VoIP (Voice over IP) that enables the convergence of Internet browsing and telephony.

At the heart of National's Geode WebPAD platform is the highly integrated Geode GXLV processor. The Geode GXLV microprocessor is low power, x86-based and combines sound, graphics, memory control and the PCI interface on a single chip. The processor provides consumers with a no-compromise Internet experience, because most popular software plug-in modules for the Internet are supported through the x86 architecture. In addition to the Geode GXLV, the Ericsson Screen Phone also uses other chips from National including a companion chip and National's industry leading analog technology, such as an audio codec, a microcontroller and power management chips.

"National's Geode technology and its focus on the information appliance market perfectly complements our vision of the Internet-connected home," said Bj?rn Krylander, vice president and general manager of Ericsson's Home Communications Division. "National's hardware and system-level experience, along with its commitment to team with Ericsson, have been critical to the success of this project."

National's Geode technology and Ericsson's software integrated together seamlessly to allow for the record-breaking development cycle and will reduce time to market. Incorporating such functionality as the VoIP into the Ericsson Screen Phone is an example of the strategic value that the combination of Ericsson and National technology has brought to the Information Appliance market.

"Ericsson's Screen Phone is an excellent example of the types of information appliances that will become a key part of consumers' day-to-day lives," said Mike Polacek, vice president of National's Information Appliance Division. "The Ericsson Screen Phone allows consumers to surf the Internet, send and retrieve email, shop online and communicate on the telephone with one simple, easy-to-use device. The right technology and the right partnership demonstrate the fast development time."

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor provides system-on-a-chip solutions for the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of the-art digital technology, the company's chips lead many sectors of the personal computer, communications, and consumer markets. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,500 employees worldwide.