Poing – 15th May 2008

Avnet Memec, the highly specialised semiconductor distributor of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, adds new 32-bit V850ES/Fx3-L microcontrollers from NEC Electronics to its range of NEC products. Addressing the growing demand for greater automation of in-vehicle comfort and safety systems these new devices provide increased functionality, flexibility and performance at a low cost for automotive body and safety applications. The MCUs are a reliable solution for anti-theft mechanisms, climate control systems, airbags, hands-free systems and small thin-film-transistor (TFT) products.

The 0.15-micron process technology of NEC enables the new V850ES/Fx3-L devices to execute 29 Dhrystone MIPS (DMIPS) at a clock speed of 20 MHz. Flash ROM ranges from 64 to 256 kilobytes (KB) with RAM ranging from 6 to 12 KB, and the devices come in 64-, 80- or 100-pin packages that are pin-compatible with NEC Electronics’ previous-generation V850ES/Fx2™ devices, making migration to the new devices seamless and fast. All devices support the controller area network (CAN) and local interconnect network (LIN) protocols. Flash memory in NEC Electronics’ 32-bit V850ES™ MCUs is based on SuperFlash® technology licensed from Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.

The new V850ES/Fx3-L MCUs are software and hardware compatible with NEC Electronics’ higher-performing V850ES/Fx3™ devices in order to provide a migration path for future system changes. In addition, all V850ES/Fx3 and V850ES/Fx3-L devices share the same hardware and software development tools.
In total, NEC Electronics now offers 29 V850ES/Fx3 MCUs for automotive control applications, giving customers greater product options and more design flexibility.

Samples of V850ES/Fx3-L MCUs are available and volume production is scheduled for autumn 2008.

Avnet Memec, an independent business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, is a highly specialised semiconductor distributor, operating on a pan-European basis and employing a significant number of engineers to support customers’ design efforts. Avnet Memec specialises in highly innovative suppliers and technologies, which will help a variety of customers to differentiate their designs. Its area of specialisation extends from Analog and Microcontrollers to RF, Datacom and Networking. The business unit operates out of 30 offices in 17 European countries and represents major semiconductor franchises on a pan-European basis.

NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 150,000 people worldwide. For additional information, please visit the NEC home page at: http://www.nec.com

NEC Europe is a leading global manufacturer and service provider of telecommunication, computer and electronic devices, NEC began business in Europe in the early 1970s. Since then, NEC's activities have steadily increased to include sales, manufacturing and R&D functions. Today, NEC has 19 affiliated companies, employing approximately 3000 personnel, located across Europe. NEC offers its customers high quality products, services and system solutions to facilitate greater business development opportunities. For further information on NEC's products and sales & marketing activities, please visit http://www.neceurope.com