Matsushita Selects Ramtron's FRAM Memory for Navigation Systems and In-Car Entertainment
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--Sept. 30, 2002--Ramtron International Corporation , the leading developer of next-generation nonvolatile memory products, announced today that Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. has selected Ramtron's ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) for its portable DVD and HDD (High-Definition Display) automotive navigation systems, as well as its 2DIN car audio system. Matsushita Communication is the principal subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and is best known for its Panasonic product brand. Ramtron's 16k FM25C160 nonvolatile memory will enable Matsushita to provide customers with a car navigation system taken to new heights of precision and convenience with a complete array of recall functions. Gartner Dataquest, a leading market research firm, reports that the Telematics market is expected to grow to 39-million systems by 2005.
FRAM's fast read/write and high-endurance features provide Matsushita mobile automotive devices with a distinctive resume play function. The FM25C160 stores scene changes and unique user data upon power down, enabling the user to continue where they left off when the unit is powered back up. FM25C160 also saves system board space by eliminating components and allowing a reduced capacitor size, which would not be possible with alternative memory solutions.
"The car navigation market is growing rapidly and competition is fierce. Differentiation at the device level is necessary to increase market share, and we are certain that Ramtron's FRAM helps differentiate our product," said Mr.Satoshi (J. Nakaya), senior staff engineer at Matsushita's Automotive Multimedia Development Center. "By applying Ramtron's advanced FRAM memory technology, we have improved the functionality and reliability of our product."
"Matsushita's choice to use FRAM demonstrates our entry into the emerging Telematics market," said Mike Alwais, vice president of FRAM products for Ramtron. "The fast write and high-endurance features of the FM25C160 are a perfect fit for the superior performance Matsushita's navigation and entertainment products provide customers."
About FM25C160
The FM25C160 is a 16-kilobit nonvolatile memory offered in 8-pin SOP and DIP packages. The FM25C160 offers 10 years of data retention and is rated over the industrial temperature range of -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C. Samples of the FM25C160 are available immediately and can be requested by visiting http://www.ramtron.com.
About Matsushita Communication Industrial
Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd (MCI) is a principal subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand consumer and industrial products. Matsushita Communication Industrial specializes in three business areas: mobile communications, automotive multimedia, and system solutions. One of the world's first 3G handset manufacturers for commercial services in Japan, the company recorded sales of 783.8 billion yen (US$5.9 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. For more information, visit http://www.mci.panasonic.co.jp/english.
About Ramtron
Ramtron is the world leader in ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) products -- new high-performance nonvolatile memories that merge the benefits of many mainstream memory technologies into a single device. The company also develops and markets ultra-high-performance memory products through its subsidiary, Enhanced Memory Systems, Inc.
For more information about Ramtron and its products, contact: Communications Department, Ramtron International Corporation, 1850