NEC: Press Release 2000/3/15-01

Press Release

*****For immediate use March 15^th, 2000

NEC Launches 32-Bit RISC Microcontroller with Synchronous DRAM Interface in Compact Package

"32-Bit RISC Microcontroller, V850E/MA2"

TOKYO March 15^th, 2000 - NEC Corporation (NEC) (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.l) has developed the V850E/MA2, a 32-bit RISC single-chip microcontroller that provides high processing performance with an integrated fast synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) memory interface in a compact 14mm 100-pin plastic LQFP package.

The microcontroller is aimed at use in a wide range of compact, lightweight multimedia applications as well as for providing real-time control in motors and communication equipment. Sampling of the new product will begin from July 2000.

The V850E/MA2 incorporates a memory controller for fast SDRAM as well as for SRAM, ROM and page ROM memories, together with a DMA controller and other peripherals onboard. With separate 25-bit address and 16-bit data buses, the microcontroller offers support for an 80MB address space.

High-speed real time control is provide by the 50MIPS (with internal ROM), 40MHz processing performance of the V850E1 CPU core in the V850E/MA2 and its onboard interrupt controller that enables an interrupt response time of 0.125 [myu] ms (at 40MHz). The chip's cost performance benefits are further enhanced by its integrated peripheral functions. These include timers, serial interfaces and a 10-bit A/D converter that enable complete system control from the single chip, all in its space-conscious 14 mm square 100-pin plastic LQFP package that further focuses its advantages in compact and lightweight systems.

The product's internal and pin functions encompass the complete subset of functions mounted by its predecessor, the V850E/MA1. As a result, depending on the functions of the target system, the V850E/MA2 and the V850E/MA1 can be interchanged and software shared. Moreover, the hardware development environment for the V850E/MA2 can be adjusted simply by connecting a conversion adapter to the in-circuit emulator on the V850E/MA1, reducing the need for development resources in cases when systems have already been developed with the V850E/MA1.

With the increasing adoption of digital consumer electronics such as DVD players and car navigation systems, there has also been a startling growth in the portable device market, encompassing products from digital-video and -still cameras to MP3 music players that has put ever-stronger pressure on manufacturers to lower system costs. This has been accompanied by greater demand for microcontrollers with higher processing performance, lower power dissipation and smaller size packages that demonstrate excellence not only in their functional performance, but in their cost performance as well. The V850E/MA2 has been aimed squarely at meeting these needs.

Initial sampling will begin with a ROM-less version of the V850E/MA2 ( [myu] PD703108) from July, while mask ROM and flash memory versions are scheduled for release in the second half of the year when combined production of all three types is expected to reach 600,000 units per month.

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                        Media Contact:
                        Aston Bridgman
                        NEC Corporation
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                        E-mail:Aston_Bridgman@HO-PRD.ccgw.nec.co.jp