Micrel Continues to Roll New Solutions for High-Current Power Distribution Switch Family

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Micrel Inc. , an industry leader in IC analog, high bandwidth and Ethernet solutions, today rolled out six new additions to its family of high-current power switches, the MIC2007/08/09 and the MIC2017/18/19. The MIC2007/08/09 feature adjustable current limiting and the MIC2017/18/19 offer both adjustable current capability and Kickstart, a unique new feature that handles high current surge devices without the stalling or stuttering caused by standard current limiting devices. The chips are part of the expanding family of MIC20xx power distribution switches introduced just last quarter. The ICs are aimed at PCs, set-top boxes, docking stations, game controllers and USB host devices where current limiting as protection against excessive loads and short circuits is required. The MIC2007/08/09 and the MIC2017/18/19 are available in volume quantities and in two package options; SOT-23 and 2mm x 2mm MLF(TM). Pricing starts at $0.69 in 1K quantity for SOT-23 and $0.80 in 1K quantity for MLF packaging.

"As an ever increasing number of products add USB functionality, designers are requiring more flexibility in their power management system," noted Bob Whelton, executive vice president operations, Micrel. "The new MIC20xx series increases the number of options for designers and gives them the head room they require for increasingly unpredictable power demands in USB devices."

The MIC2007/08/09 and MIC2017/18/19 feature the industry's highest power- to-footprint ratio: 0.5A/mm2. In addition, these ICs are among the first to offer adjustable current limiting, up to 2 Amps, in such small packages.

Adjustable current limiting allows the customer to set a limit of his or her own choosing rather than choosing from a list of pre-set factory limits. Adjustability also helps inventory control as, with adjustable current capability, one IC can easily address the power needs of many designs.

The ICs all offer 100mohm maximum on-resistance and an adjustable current limit in the smallest form factors available on the market today. These chips are capable of serving multiple (USB) ports which provides both cost and space savings. Standard features include a 2.5V to 5.5V operating range, output Enable control input, thermal protection, under voltage lock-out, low quiescent current and fault masking, which prevents nuisance alarms on current surges or hot plug events.

About Micrel, Inc.

Micrel Inc., is a leading global manufacturer of IC solutions for the worldwide analog, Ethernet and high bandwidth markets. The Company's products include advanced mixed-signal, analog and power semiconductors; and high performance communication, clock management, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceiver ICs. Company customers include leading manufacturers of enterprise, consumer, industrial, mobile, telecommunications, automotive, and computer products. Corporation headquarters and state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facilities are located in San Jose, CA with regional sales and support offices and advanced technology design centers situated throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Company maintains an extensive network of distributors and reps worldwide. Web: http://www.micrel.com/ .

Note: MLF is a trademark of Amkor Technology.