NEC to Launch Ultra-small Optocoupler for Data Bus Interfaces

- Four on-chip circuits in the world's smallest package -

"PS284x-4x Series"

NEC Corporation ("NEC") (NASDAQ: NIPNY, FTSE: 6701q.l, TSE: 6701) and NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices Ltd., NEC's wholly owned subsidiary today announced the development of its ultra-small optocoupler with four on-chip circuits, ideal for implementing isolated digital data bus interfaces and handling multiple input/output (I/O) signals from sequencers and programmable logic controllers(PLC).

The new quad optocoupler (the device used for handling the monitoring and control signals used in production line equipment) was developed using NEC's state-of-the-art package miniaturization technology to integrate four circuits (channels) into an ultra-small 0.8 mm lead pin pitch package (down from the conventional 1.27 mm), which translates into a device that requires half the mounting size of the smallest current products available. NEC will release three versions of the optocoupler that enable electrical isolation of I/O signals by optically coupling the light emitting and receiving elements. Version one will support AC signals and features two light emitting elements on the input side and a common collector lead on the output side. The other two versions support DC input signals and feature a single light emitting element with either a common anode or cathode lead and a common collector lead on the output side.

The features of this new lineup are outlined below.

1)	Handles I/O interfaces integrating four channels in the world's smallest package. The pin count has been reduced from 16 to 12 by implementing common connections for the anode or cathode of the light emitting elements and the collectors of the light receiving elements. In addition, pin pitch has been reduced from 1.27 to 0.8 mm, allowing a 50% reduction in size compared with NEC's previous smallest product.
2)	Low input current and high transmission efficiency. Reduction of input current from 5 mA to 1 mA allows considerable energy savings. Optimization of the light receiving element enables generation of output currents of 1 mA to 4 mA at a low input current.
3)	High withstanding voltage. This product realizes a high withstanding voltage of 1500 V, in accordance with international safety standards. It can be mounted by infrared reflow (peak temperature: 235) and the possible use of lead plating that supports Pb-Free solder and a peak temperature of 260 is currently being examined for future developments.

Today's semiconductor, electronic component and automobile manufacturing systems demand higher and higher levels of responsiveness, wiring/space efficiency and low energy consumption. To achieve this, sequencer and PLC makers are seeking smaller and thinner optocouplers to allow them to improve device-mounting efficiency.

As the world's leading manufacturer of miniature photocouplers, NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices Ltd. has drawn on its wealth of expertise in this area to achieve control set size reduction and energy savings in power supply equipment. NEC has launched a wide range of products, including a 16-pin 1.28 mm pitch four-channel photocoupler, and the worlds smallest single-channel photocoupler (mini-flat optocoupler).

Now, with the addition of the three new 4-channel ultra-small emitter/common optocouplers, NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices Ltd. will extend its already impressive optocoupler lineup to continue to satisfy the most stringent market demands.

Volume production is scheduled for March 2002 at an initial production capacity of 800 thousand units per month. Sample price for the product is expected to be200 per unit.

See the attachment for the major specifications of the new optocouplers

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.l) is a leading provider of Internet solutions, dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its customers in the key computer, network and electron device fields through its three market-focused in-house companies: NEC Solutions, NEC Networks and NEC Electron Devices. NEC Corporation, with its in-house companies, employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and saw consolidated net sales of 5,409 billion Yen (approx. US$43 billion) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001. For further information, please visit the NEC home page at: http://www.nec.com