Microsemi Expands Portfolio of Multiphase Switching Regulators

IRVINE, Calif., Feb 14, 2006 (PRIMEZONE via COMTEX News Network) --

-- Targets power supplies for set-top box, video processor, portable computer and peripherals applications
-- Patented LoadSHARE architecture

Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits, announced today that its Integrated Products Group has added an expanded-feature device to its line of multiple output controllers used in power supplies for set-top box, video processor and a wide variety of multi-output power supply applications in portable computers and peripherals.

Designated the LX1675, the latest device is a highly integrated power supply controller featuring three voltage mode pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching regulator stages with a linear regulator driver as the fourth output.

Operation from a single input voltage ranging from 4.5V to 24V greatly simplifies the users system. Features include selectable PWM frequency: 300KHz for highest efficiency or 600KHz for smaller component sizes. External compensation is used to optimize the PWM dynamic response and maintain flexibility with the passive power component selection.

"For a designer needing current greater than what can be sourced from a single phase, Microsemi's patented LoadSHARE multiphase switching regulator architecture uses sensed voltages to achieve efficient and accurate forced current sharing and programmable current sharing power supply management," said Paul Bibeau, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Microsemi's Integrated Products Group.

Soft start is programmable for each output and the fault mode response can be either: independent restart of each output or full re-sequencing of the controller. A buffered reference output is available for generating additional regulated outputs. Current sensing without external resistors helps to keep the total solution cost low.

High current N-channel MOSFETs are driven directly by the LX1675 to provide output current up to 15 amps for each PWM controller delivering currents that are useful for input/output, memory, termination, and other power supplies surrounding a wide range of microprocessor-based systems. Outputs can be set as low as 0.8V, generated from a precision internal reference.

The LX1675 is packaged in a lead-free and RoHS compliant 38-pin MLPQ surface mount package measuring only 5mm wide by 7mm long.

Unit priced in 10k lot quantities at $1.58, the LX1675 is available for immediate sampling and pre-production quantities. Complete technical information is available on the Microsemi web site, www.Microsemi.com. Samples along with a demonstration board can be ordered through this site or from Microsemi sales representatives and authorized distributors.

About Microsemi Corporation

Microsemi is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors. The company's semiconductors manage and control or regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals.

Microsemi's products include individual components as well as integrated circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance and reliability, battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves included implantable medical, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers, monitors and LCD TVs, automotive and mobile connectivity applications. More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its web site at http://www.microsemi.com.

LX and LoadSHARE are trademarks of Microsemi Corporation.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING FACTORS THAT CAN MATERIALLY AFFECT MICROSEMI'S FUTURE RESULTS.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in the news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature are forward-looking statements. For instance, all statements of plans, beliefs, or expectations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the difficulties regarding the making of estimates and projections, in the hiring and retention of qualified personnel in a competitive labor market, of acquiring and integrating new operations or assets, or in closing or disposing of operations or assets, or possible difficulties in transferring work from one plant to another, or regarding rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence, difficulties predicting the timing and costs of plant closures, the potential inability to realize cost savings or productivity gains or other impediments to improving capacity utilization, potential cost increases, weakness or competitive pricing environment of the marketplace, uncertain demand for and acceptance of the company's products, unexpected results of in-process or planned development or marketing and promotional campaigns, changes in demand for products, difficulties foreseeing future demand, inventory adjustments by customers, customer order cancellations, effects of limited visibility of future sales, potential non-realization of expected orders or non-realization of backlog, product returns, product liability, and other potential adverse business and economic conditions or adverse changes in current or expected industry conditions, business disruptions, travel disruptions, embargoes, epidemics, disasters, wars or potential future effects of the tragic events of September 11, variations in customer order preferences, fluctuations in market prices of the company's common stock and potential unavailability of additional capital on favorable terms, difficulties in implementing company strategies, dealing with environmental matters, other regulatory matters, or any matters involving litigation, arbitration, or investigation, difficulties and costs imposed by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, difficulties in determining the scope of, and procuring and maintaining, adequate insurance coverage, difficulties, and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights, work stoppages, labor issues, inventory obsolescence, difficulties regarding customer qualification of products, manufacturing facilities and processes, and other difficulties managing consolidation or growth, including in the maintenance of internal controls, the implementation of information systems, and the training of personnel. In addition to these factors and any other factors mentioned elsewhere in this news release, the reader should refer as well to the factors, uncertainties or risks identified in the company's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent Form 10-Q Reports filed by Microsemi with the SEC. Additional risk factors shall be identified from time to time in Microsemi's future filings. Microsemi does not undertake to supplement or correct any information in this release that is or becomes incorrect.

This news release was distributed by PrimeZone, www.primezone.com

SOURCE: Microsemi Corporation

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Microsemi Adds Dual Output Regulator to its Power Management Portfolio

 --  Regulates two independent outputs
 --  Independent thermal/current limit protection
 --  Accepts 3.0 to 10.0 supply voltage

IRVINE, Calif., Feb 8, 2006 (PRIMEZONE via COMTEX News Network) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits, has announced a new 2.5 amp dual-channel ultra-low dropout regulator (ULDO) for applications ranging from PC peripherals and instrumentation to battery charging circuits and power to ASIC, memory and input/output circuits.

Designated the LX8821, the new Microsemi LDO is a positive-voltage linear regulator that provides up to 2.5 amps of current per channel, with one output fixed and one output adjustable. Its design is optimized for system efficiency by consuming minimal ground current and directing quiescent current to the load. Dropout voltage is reduced to 0.6V maximum, at its rated current, enabling longer operational performance as the supply voltage decreases.

"We designed the LX8821 for maximum efficiency," said Paul Bibeau, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Microsemi's Integrated Products Group. "Its configuration uses split supply voltage inputs which greatly reduces power dissipation by enabling operation of the regulator with a small dropout. An additional key feature is regulator stability independent of the capacitor type chosen, be it ceramic, tantalum or electrolytic."

Thermal and short circuit current protection are integrated on-chip and operate independently for each regulator output. Internal voltage reference is trimmed at the wafer level, enabling precise output voltages, typically +/- 1% of its specified value. The LX8821 is packaged in a RoHS compliant 7-pin low profile surface mount power package having low thermal resistance.

Complete technical information is available on the Microsemi web site, www.Microsemi.com. Samples can be requested through this site, from Microsemi sales representatives, or from Microsemi's distribution sales channel. It is priced at $0.80 in 10K quantities and is available for immediate sampling and delivery.

About Microsemi Corporation

Microsemi Corporation, with corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors. The company's semiconductors manage and control or regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals.

Microsemi's products include individual components as well as integrated circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance, reliability and battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implanted medical, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers, monitors and LCD TVs, automotive and mobile connectivity applications. More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its web site at http://www.microsemi.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in the news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature are forward-looking statements. For instance, all statements of plans, beliefs, or expectations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the difficulties regarding the making of estimates and projections, in the hiring and retention of qualified personnel in a competitive labor market, of acquiring and integrating new operations or assets, or in closing or disposing of operations or assets, or possible difficulties in transferring work from one plant to another, or regarding rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence, difficulties predicting the timing and costs of plant closures, the potential inability to realize cost savings or productivity gains or other impediments to improving capacity utilization, potential cost increases, weakness or competitive pricing environment of the marketplace, uncertain demand for and acceptance of the company's products, unexpected results of in-process or planned development or marketing and promotional campaigns, changes in demand for products, difficulties foreseeing future demand, inventory adjustments by customers, customer order cancellations, effects of limited visibility of future sales, potential non-realization of expected orders or non-realization of backlog, product returns, product liability, and other potential adverse business and economic conditions or adverse changes in current or expected industry conditions, business disruptions, travel disruptions, embargoes, epidemics, disasters, wars or potential future effects of the tragic events of September 11, variations in customer order preferences, fluctuations in market prices of the company's common stock and potential unavailability of additional capital on favorable terms, difficulties in implementing company strategies, dealing with environmental matters, other regulatory matters, or any matters involving litigation, arbitration, or investigation, difficulties and costs imposed by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, difficulties in determining the scope of, and procuring and maintaining, adequate insurance coverage, difficulties, and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights, work stoppages, labor issues, inventory obsolescence, difficulties regarding customer qualification of products, manufacturing facilities and processes, and other difficulties managing consolidation or growth, including in the maintenance of internal controls, the implementation of information systems, and the training of personnel. In addition to these factors and any other factors mentioned elsewhere in this news release, the reader should refer as well to the factors, uncertainties or risks identified in the company's most recent Form 10-K filed by Microsemi with the SEC. Additional risk factors shall be identified from time to time in Microsemi's future filings. Microsemi does not undertake to supplement or correct any information in this release that is or becomes incorrect.

This news release was distributed by PrimeZone, www.primezone.com

SOURCE: Microsemi Corporation