Nordic Semiconductor Launches the nRF2401A, Upgrading the Industry Leading nRF2401 2.4GHz Transceiver with even Lower Cost and Improved Performance

Oslo, NORWAY - November 9^th, 2004 - Following the introduction of the nRF2401 in the market, Nordic Semiconductor has proven to be a market leader with the nRF24XX family now counting 4 devices for 2.4GHz operation. The nRF2401, which was introduced to the market at the end of 2002, has been extremely well received by customers, and have established itself as a standard in the market for low cost, low power 2.4GHz wireless mice, keyboards, sports instruments, gamepads and a slew of other applications

OFFERING INSTANT VALUE TO CUSTOMERS

As part of a commercialization program in Nordic for Pb-free "green" components it was also decided to bring out a pin compatible drop in replacement for the nRF2401, the nRF2401A offering customers a cost reduced version, offering immediate value without expensive redesigns, and long waits for "next generation". The nRF2401A offers improved sensitivity and blocking, offering an improvement in range, and performance in a crowded 2.4GHz environment The nRF2401A offers all functions of the nRF2401, such as the unique ShockBurst^TM feature that is used in both receive and transmit mode and greatly simplifies software and protocol design.

"Rather than spending months and years designing a new RF platform where our customers would have to invest in a complicated redesign to take advantage of lower cost and improved performance, we gave our customers exactly what they wanted - a lower cost improved nRF2401A, which will drop directly into all already designed nRF2401 applications offering instant value from January 2005. The upgrade also represents an increase in production capacity, ensuring delivery even in a situation with rapid growth in delivery.  For our customers adopting PB-free "green" technology the nRF2401A will be offered in a Pb-free "green" variant, the nRF2401AG from day one" says Geir Langeland product manager for standard components, Nordic Semiconductor.

AVAILABILITY

The nRF2401A samples will be available December 2004, with full volume production January 2005

About Nordic Semiconductor ASA
Founded in 1983, Nordic Semiconductor (former Nordic VLSI) has evolved steadily from the traditional ASIC design house into a leading European fabless semiconductor supplier. With world-class IC design expertise focused on RF/mixed-mode and advanced back-end/physical design capabilities, Nordic is currently marketing and selling three product families: a ground-breaking portfolio of standard components for wireless communication, high performance dataconverter IPs and custom design and manufacturing services (ASIC). With the ultra compact 2.4GHz transceiver and transmitter families, nRF24XX, the company has established itself as a market leader within the wireless personal interface segment comprising applications such as gamepads, keyboard/mouse and sports equipment. Nordic's products are manufactured on ultra modern technologies through strong relationships with world leading manufacturing facilities and are sold through a world-wide distribution network. The company has offices in Trondheim and Oslo, Norway, as well as Hong Kong, and is listed on the Norwegian Stock Exchange (OSX: NOD). All operations are managed according to the ISO 9001-approved quality assurance system.