Fairchild Semiconductor Announces Industry's Most Highly Integrated Video Switch Matrix for High Definition Video Applications.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- FMS6501 Leads Competitors in Reducing Board Space, Cost, and Time-to-Market in Standard, Progressive Scan, and High Definition Consumer Applications

Fairchild Semiconductor's (NYSE:FCS) FMS6501 is the first video switch matrix device offering industry-leading benefits for simplifying designs, speeding time-to-market, and lowering part count and cost in a range of consumer video applications. The FMS6501 integrates analog switch capability, input clamps, bias circuitry and cable drivers into one device for an industry-first combination of critical functionality. Compared to discrete solutions, this integration allows the FMS6501 to reduce board space by 50%. Typical FMS6501 applications include satellite set-top boxes, high definition televisions (HDTV), personal video recorders (PVR), A/V switchers, security equipment, media centers and in-cabin (car) entertainment systems.

Fairchild's FMS6501 video switch matrix offers designers unparalleled ease-of-use and flexibility by providing 12 inputs, each of which may be switched to any of 9 available outputs. It is the only device of its kind able to accommodate standard definition (SD), progressive scan (PS), high definition (HD), and 1080p video signals, while offering selectable 6, 7, 8, or 9dB integrated cable drivers capable of driving dual video loads. In addition to being the lowest power consuming device on the market, the FMS6501 optimizes system power by utilizing a disable feature.

"As the most integrated and lowest power consuming video matrix on the market, the FMS6501 further enhances Fairchild's position as a leader in video solutions," said Jeremy Tole, Fairchild's product marketing manager for Video Products. "Thanks to its flexible functionality and its space- and power-saving benefits, a number of top consumer electronics manufacturers are already adopting the FMS6501 for use in their latest products."

Key FMS6501 features and benefits include:

    --  12 inputs may be switched to any of 9 outputs, optimizing
        flexibility;

    --  Supports worldwide video formats and resolution standards for
        flexibility, including:
        1) Standard Definition (SD) -- 480i, 576i, NTSC, PAL, SECAM in
            composite (CV), component (YPBPR, YUV, RGB) and S-Video
            formats;
        2) Progressive Scan (PS) -- Preferred DVD (480p) format;
        3) High Definition (HD) -- 1080i and 720p component (YPbPr,
            YUV, RGB) formats; and
        4) 1080p -- next generation HDTV format;

    --  I2C(TM) digital interface improves ease-of-use;

    --  Ability to directly drive 75Ohm cables eliminates external
        components, saves space and reduces parts count;

    --  Selectable 6, 7, 8 or 9dB integrated cable drivers accommodate
        different video system DAC output ranges to improve
        flexibility;

    --  Inputs offer sync-tip clamp or bias option to handle video
        signals, with or without sync, easily accommodating either RGB
        or YPbPr signals;

    --  Ability to disable unused outputs lowers power dissipation;

    --  50% board space reduction versus discrete solutions reduces
        overall part count and inventory costs;

    --  High degree of feature integration increases reliability; and

    --  Faster design time minimizes time-to-market.

The FMS6501 is available in a 28-pin SSOP package. This lead (pb)-free product meets or exceeds the requirements of the joint IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020B and is compliant with the European Union requirements now in effect.

Price:          US$ 2.25 (1000 pcs)
Availability:   Samples available now
Delivery:       8 weeks ARO

For more information about this product, please go to http://www.fairchildsemi.com/pf/FM/FMS6501.html. For more information on Fairchild's video devices, please go to http://www.fairchildsemi.com/whats_new/vandi.html.

In addition to the FMS6501 video switch matrix, Fairchild offers an expanded portfolio of video and imaging ICs that support multimedia, consumer, imaging, graphics and HDTV applications. These products include video filters and drivers, data converters, amplifiers, video encoders, uSerDes(TM) (micro-SerDes), LVDS, USB, analog switches, MOSFETs, optocouplers, regulators, LEDs and LED drivers. For information on other Fairchild products, design tools, and sales contacts, please visit http://www.fairchildsemi.com.

Editor's Note: A datasheet in PDF format is available at http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/FM/FMS6501.pdf.

About Fairchild Semiconductor:

Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE:FCS) is the leading global supplier of high-performance power products critical to today's leading electronic applications in the computing, communications, consumer, industrial and automotive segments. As The Power Franchise(R), Fairchild offers the industry's broadest portfolio of components that optimize system power. Fairchild's 9,000 employees design, manufacture and market power, analog & mixed signal, interface, logic, and optoelectronics products. Please contact us on the web at www.fairchildsemi.com.