National Semiconductor Corp has acquired graphics hardware and software supplier Future Integrated Systems Inc for an undisclosed sum. National Semiconductor will use technology from FIS to help it integrate graphics capabilities into systems-on-a- chip which will eventually be used in personal computers. The addition of FIS will bring with it the firm’s thin film transistor panel, dual scan Twisted flat panel interface and power management technologies, enabling more highly integrated systems. FIS is based in San Jose, California with a staff of 17, and will be merged into National Semiconductor’s PC Systems Division. As a result of its purchase, Santa Clara, California- based National Semiconductor expects to take a one time charge of around $2.5m relating to the write-off of in-process research and development projects, which will be accounted for in the second half of 1998.
