Texas Instruments acquired National Semiconductor’s Die Products group who has been supporting die sales for the company since 1995. Located in South Portland, Maine, the DPG has the responsibility for releasing TI's standard products in die form as well as supporting all of TI's product lines in the release of new products in die form. The DPG's strategy is to leverage TI's analog expertise and bare die capabilities with the intent of supplying die products into small form factor applications. Small form factor applications are often characterized by one or both of the requirements for cost reduction and high reliability. To support these requirements the DPG has several quality levels available (ei. commercial, military, space, etc.) that will meet most customers needs. In addition, the centralize group concept for obtaining TI die products ensures standardization from the customer perspective.