National Semiconductor

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor Corporation was a leading analog devices and subsystems designer until its incorporation into Texas Instruments in 2011. It was known for its innovation in power management, display, and audio solutions, maintaining a strong footprint across various applications, particularly in automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial sectors worldwide.

Product Categories

Development Boards, Kits, Programmers

Evaluation Boards - Op Amps
Evaluation Boards - Audio Amplifiers
Evaluation Boards - Linear Voltage Regulators
Evaluation Boards - Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs)
Evaluation Boards - DC/DC & AC/DC (Off-Line) SMPS
Evaluation Boards - Digital to Analog Converters (DACs)
Evaluation Boards - LED Drivers

Discrete Semiconductor Products

Filters

RF Filters

Integrated Circuits (ICs)

Isolators

Optoelectronics

Power Supplies - Board Mount

RF/IF and RFID

Sensors, Transducers

Uncategorized

Unclassified

Introductions of National Semiconductor

Company Overview

National Semiconductor was an American semiconductor manufacturer that specialized in analog devices and subsystems. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company was a significant player in the semiconductor industry before its acquisition by Texas Instruments in 2011.

History

National Semiconductor was founded with a strong commitment to innovation, particularly in analog technology. The company's history is marked by several key milestones:

  • Early Years: National Semiconductor acquired Molectro in the same year it was founded, which brought in experts like Robert Widlar and Dave Talbert, formerly of Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation. This acquisition provided the technology to fabricate and manufacture monolithic integrated circuits.
  • Growth and Expansion: In the late 1960s, National Semiconductor hired key executives from Fairchild, including Charles E. Sporck and Pierre Lamond. Under Sporck's leadership, the company focused on cost control and profit-oriented strategies, leading it to become the first semiconductor company to reach $1 billion in annual sales in 1981.
  • Restructuring and Focus: In the 1990s, under the leadership of Gil Amelio, National Semiconductor underwent significant restructuring. The company divested non-core products, improved capacity utilization, and focused on its core expertise in analog semiconductors. This period saw the company post record revenues and regain market leadership.
  • Acquisition by Texas Instruments: On September 23, 2011, National Semiconductor was acquired by Texas Instruments, becoming the "Silicon Valley" division of TI. This acquisition expanded TI's analog portfolio and integrated National Semiconductor's products and expertise into TI's broader operations.

Business Segments

National Semiconductor's business was primarily focused on the development and manufacture of:

  • Power Management Integrated Circuits: These were crucial for managing power in various electronic devices.
  • Display Drivers: Used in a variety of display technologies.
  • Audio and Operational Amplifiers: Essential components in audio and operational amplifier applications.
  • Communication Interface Products: Played a key role in communication systems.
  • Data Conversion Solutions: Important for converting data between different formats.

Core Competencies

The core competencies of National Semiconductor included:

  • Analog Technology: The company was renowned for its expertise in analog electronics, including TTL (transistor–transistor logic) and MOSFET (metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor) integrated circuit technologies.
  • Innovation: National Semiconductor was committed to innovation, continuously advancing analog technology and developing new products.
  • Quality and Reliability: The company's products were known for their reliability and performance, making them essential in high-demand applications.

Market Position

Before its acquisition, National Semiconductor held a respected position in the semiconductor industry. Its products served key markets such as:

  • Wireless Handsets
  • Displays
  • Medical Devices
  • Automotive Systems
  • Industrial and Test and Measurement Applications.

Key Products and Technologies

Some of the key products and technologies developed by National Semiconductor included:

  • Power Management ICs
  • Display Drivers
  • Audio and Operational Amplifiers
  • Communication Interface Products
  • Data Conversion Solutions

These products were integrated into Texas Instruments' portfolio after the acquisition, further expanding TI's capabilities in the analog semiconductor market.

Complete Product Catalog

After the acquisition, National Semiconductor's product catalog became part of Texas Instruments' extensive analog product portfolio, which includes nearly 45,000 analog products. For a complete and updated product catalog, one can refer to Texas Instruments' official website.

Application Fields and Solutions

Application FieldProducts/SolutionsFeatures and Advantages
Automotive ElectronicsPower management circuits, operational amplifiersEnhances fuel efficiency, improves sensing applications, increases reliability of vehicle systems
Consumer ElectronicsDisplay drivers, audio amplifiersEnables high-definition display and audio, supports energy efficiency, enhances user experience
Industrial AutomationData conversion circuits, power management ICsFacilitates accurate data processing, ensures robust power management under varying conditions
Medical DevicesPrecision amplifiers, power regulation solutionsSupports critical medical diagnostics, ensures precision and reliability in medical device operations

Well-known Clients

National Semiconductor's clients spanned various industries, including major players in wireless handsets, displays, medical devices, automotive systems, and industrial applications. However, specific client names are not publicly disclosed in the available sources.

Related Companies

  • Texas Instruments: The parent company after the acquisition in 2011.
  • Molectro: Acquired by National Semiconductor, bringing in key expertise in linear semiconductor technologies.
  • Tower Semiconductor: Formed from National Semiconductor's divested plant in Migdal HaEmek, Israel.

Social Media Links

As National Semiconductor is now part of Texas Instruments, the social media links would be those of Texas Instruments:

Company Contacts

Since National Semiconductor is now integrated into Texas Instruments, the contacts would be those of Texas Instruments:

  • Headquarter Address: 12500 TI Blvd, Dallas, TX 75243, USA
  • Phone Number: +1 972 917 3700
  • Official Website: www.ti.com

Official Website Link

The official website for National Semiconductor's legacy products and current operations is now part of Texas Instruments' website:

Products