National Semiconductor and Huber+Suhner Debut Smart Solar Products

MUNICH, June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- INTERSOLAR EUROPE -- National Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: NSM) and Huber+Suhner AG, a leading global supplier of components and systems for electrical and optical connectivity, are debuting Huber+Suhner's next-generation of solar junction boxes with National Semiconductor's award-winning SolarMagic™ technology inside.

National's SolarMagic power optimizers distribute smart electronics throughout a solar array to maximize the energy harvest of installations at the panel or string level.  By integrating power electronics with enhanced performance management, National and Huber+Suhner offer a smart panel junction box solution that efficiently and cost-effectively boosts system performance.  The strategic relationship brings more than 200 years of collective electronics design, development and manufacturing experience to the solar market.  

"As the solar market continues to evolve, balance of systems solutions like SolarMagic power optimizers are essential for maximizing system power production at the lowest cost," said Mike Polacek, Senior Vice President, National Semiconductor. "In collaborating with respected providers like Huber+Suhner, National Semiconductor is further improving the cost-effectiveness of solar power optimization and facilitating a quicker return on investment for array owners."

"RADOX 'smart' junction boxes enable us to offer panel manufacturers an efficient, optimized and therefore value-enhancing solution for their customers," said Patrick Riederer, Chief Operating Officer, Huber+Suhner Low Frequency Division.  "We believe that bringing the 'smarts' to solar modules is where the industry is going, and we are excited to lead the market in this direction."

National and Huber+Suhner will demonstrate RADOX smart panel junction boxes featuring National's SolarMagic technology at Intersolar Europe in Munich, Germany, June 9-11, 2010.  Visit National Semiconductor in Hall B5, Booth #429 and Huber+Suhner in Hall C4, Booth #482.

About SolarMagic

National's SolarMagic SM3320 is the first analog-intensive power management chipset in a new category of in-panel electronics that improves power output, reliability and cost-effectiveness of solar systems.  SolarMagic enables each solar panel to produce the maximum energy regardless of whether other panels in the array are under-performing due to mismatch. SolarMagic monitors and maximizes the energy harvest of each individual PV panel through a combination of advanced algorithms and leading-edge mixed-signal technology. In worldwide tests, SolarMagic can recoup up to 71 percent of power lost to mismatch – regardless of cell technology – giving installation owners more predictable power output and increased return on investment.

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor is a leader in analog power management technology. Its products include easy-to-use integrated circuits, PowerWise products that enable more energy-efficient systems, and SolarMagic products which improve the energy output of solar arrays. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary last May. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., National reported sales of $1.46 billion for fiscal 2009.  Additional information is available at www.national.com.  

About Huber+Suhner Group

The Huber+Suhner Group, based in Switzerland, is a leading international manufacturer of components and systems for electrical and optical connectivity for communication, transportation and industrial markets.  The company draws on core competencies in the areas of high-frequency, fiber optics and low frequency.  The product range includes coaxial, fiber optic and copper cables, cable systems, connectors, antennas and lightning protection components. The company has a global presence with 18 subsidiaries and representatives in over 60 countries around the world.  Further information on the company can be found at www.hubersuhner.com.

National Semiconductor is a registered trademark and SolarMagic is a trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE National Semiconductor Corp.