NEC Electronics Announces Eco-Friendly USB 2.0 Hub Controller

First Product in New ECOUSB Family

KAWASAKI, Japan, SANTA CLARA, Calif., DUESSELDORF, Germany, September 22, 2005

NEC Electronics Corp. (TSE: 6723), a leading semiconductor solutions provider, and its subsidiaries in the United States and Europe, NEC Electronics America, Inc. and NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH, today announced the newest addition to their industry-leading Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 semiconductor solutions, a highly integrated USB 2.0 hub controller manufactured with eco-friendly materials that serve to minimize environmental impacts. This new device, part number µPD720114, is the first product in NEC Electronics’ new ECOUSB family of USB devices.

"USB 2.0 has proven to be an exceptionally popular technology, as users become increasingly interested in moving large media files between digital devices," said Katsuhiko Nakazawa, general manager, PC Peripheral Systems Division, NEC Electronics Corporation.

"However, the popularity of USB-based products means that original equipment manufacturers must consider a variety of environmental factors prior to bringing their designs to market. How much power will be consumed? Will improper disposal introduce potentially dangerous substances to the environment? To help alleviate worries about these issues, NEC Electronics is developing an ECOUSB family of USB 2.0 solutions."

A variety of features and materials makes the µPD720114 device an eco-friendly choice.

Reconfiguration of the controller’s communication logic has enabled on-chip integration of parts that formerly needed to be off chip, including the voltage regulator, several resistors and the serial ROM that manages information related to the hub’s configuration, helping to reduce the number of components required in a USB 2.0-based system. The alignment of pins and placement of circuits also have been optimized, shrinking the controller’s footprint to 7 mm2 and its mounting area by approximately 60 percent compared to previous models. This optimization means that fewer materials are needed during the fabrication process and that stresses to the environment will be minimal upon the controller’s final disposal.

Environmental concerns related to power consumption have been addressed to such a degree that, measured against earlier generations, the µPD720114 consumes 10 percent less power in full-speed operation and 20 percent less in standby.

For compliance with the Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive for the European Union, the µPD720114 hub controller uses a halogen-free sealing resin designed to minimize negative environmental effects over the whole of the controller’s life. Availability Samples of the new µPD720114 USB 2.0 hub controller are available now. Production quantities are also available. Availability is subject to change.

About NEC Electronics NEC Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) specializes in semiconductor products encompassing advanced technology solutions for the high-end computing and broadband networking markets, system solutions for the mobile handset, PC peripherals, automotive and digital consumer markets, and multi-market solutions for a wide range of customer applications. NEC Electronics Corporation has 26 subsidiaries worldwide including NEC Electronics America, Inc. and NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH. In addition to marketing, selling and supporting NEC Electronics products to customers in their respective regions, NEC Electronics America and NEC Electronics Europe also operate local manufacturing facilities in Roseville, California, and Ballivor, Ireland, respectively. Additionally, NEC Electronics America for North America and NEC Electronics Europe for Europe are the sales and marketing channels of NEC AM-LCD modules. For additional information about NEC Electronics worldwide, visit  www.necel.com.

About Sunrise

Sunrise Electronics is the only dedicated franchised distributor in the UK electronics market and provides a high level of technical design support to customers for the whole range of NEC semiconductor products including microprocessors, microcontrollers and ASICs as well as memory and colour LCD panels. The field sales team is technically qualified to ensure total support from design concept through to purchasing.

Sunrise is a direct ship distributor. The majority of shipments are delivered directly to customers from NEC’s own ISO9000 warehouse. This ensures reduced handling, correct packaging; especially for fine pitch surface mount devices requiring vacuum sealing, factory fresh product and timely deliveries.