Nordic VLSI Significantly Increases Production Capacity for its 2.4GHz wireless component portfolio to Meet Future Demand

Oslo, Norway - 2nd of April 2004 - Following a sharp increase in demand for its 2.4GHz wireless component portfolio, Nordic VLSI this week announced that it will expand the production test capacity by moving from single to dual-site load boards in its European as well as Taiwanese test facility. The move also includes additional test lines that will be added for a further increase in total production capacity.

nRF24XX components are currently supplied in a QFN sawing type package, i.e. individual parts are singulated from the strip though a sawing operation. Nordic will change the technology employed for the assembly of nRF24XX components from a sawing type into a punch type singulated package. The move will significantly increase the assembly capacity, and will ensure that current and future demand for nRF24XX can be met.

With these measures being finalized in 2nd Quarter 2004 Nordic has completed a program to ensure that future requirements for capacity and environmental issues can be met. In addition to the measures above Nordic will in 2nd Quarter 2004 start volume production of the pin for pin and spec for spec compliant nRF2401G, nRF24E1G, nRF2402G and nRF24E2G to offer a PB-free Green alternative to customers. The nrF24XXG are in compliance with the European Parliament Directive entitled "Restrictions on the use of Hazardous Substances" (RoHS) and also comply with universal environmental regulations set by the United States, Japan, and China. In addition, the Green QFN packages meet JEDEC's moisture sensitivity level (MSL) requirements of 2. Offering better MSL performance than lead-containing packages, the Green QFN package provides robust solder joint life and is fully compatible with regular assembly process

About Nordic VLSI ASA

Founded in 1983, 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 products: 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 family, 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. 

For Product Change Noticifations for the nRF24XX family, please look at:
http://www.nvlsi.no/files/Product/data_sheet/PCN-nRF24XX-003.pdf and
http://www.nvlsi.no/files/Product/data_sheet/PCN-nRF24XX-002.pdf

For information: www.nvlsi.no or
Contact: Geir Langeland
Phone: +47 22 51 10 66