Micrel Launches Tiniest Boost Regulator With Single Wire Digital Interface For White LED Backlighting Applications

San Jose, Calif., March 5, 2007 — Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq:MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today launched the MIC3289, a 1.2MHz PWM White LED driver featuring Internal Schottky Diode and true single wire digital interface for brightness control and enable. The MIC3289 is currently available in volume and in two package choices; a TSOT-23-6 and a 2mm x 2mm MLF® 8L package. Pricing starts at $1.00 for 1K quantities.

“The single wire digital interface used in Micrel’s MIC3289 provides both brightness control and the enable function. This reduces the number of GPIOs needed to control the device and is especially advantageous in clamshell phone designs where limited traces can be routed through the flex cable,” noted Ralf Muenster, Micrel’s director of marketing for power products. “In addition, the part features 16 logarithmic dimming steps, mimicking the way the human eye perceives brightness levels, allowing to minimize programming steps when compared to industry standard products which offer 32 linear steps.”

The MIC3289’s full operating input voltage range of 2.5 to 6.5V supports use with popular power sources including Li-Ion battery, multi-cell alkaline, 5V AC adapter, and USB port. The MIC3289 requires a mere four external components to provide a complete solution. The integration of the Schottky diode and the tiny 2mm x 2mm MLF® packaging allows for solution sizes up to 50 percent smaller than the competition. The device is also protected with an OVP circuit and is available in 16V and 24V over voltage protection options, supporting up to six WLEDs at 20mA each.

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; 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.

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Note: MLF is a registered trademark of Amkor Technology.