New Microsemi Devices Deliver Highest Speed Protection Available for
Cable Modem, Gigabit Network, and Voice-Over IP Applications
TVS Series Provides Lowest Capacitance and Highest Electrostatic
Discharge Protection at Data Rates in Excess of 1000mB per Second
SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 1999-- Microsemi Corp. (Nasdaq: MSCC - news), a
leader in electronic circuit protection products, Tuesday announced a new family of highly integrated
transient voltage suppression (TVS) devices that exceed stringent over-voltage protection and small
space requirements of sensitive CMOS integrated circuits used in broadband communication and
networking equipment.
Microsemi believes its new GigaBit Series will enable designers of cable modems, DSL modems, and
voice-over IP products to provide the most effective protection available today from damaging
electrostatic discharges (ESDs), electrical fast transients and lightning surges -- without impeding data
transmission rates.
The company said it developed the GigaBit Series by analyzing requirements outlined in IEEE 802.3ab
standard for Gigabit Ethernet over Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) copper wiring and data
from leading communications chip manufacturers. According to information found on Broadcom's
(Nasdaq: BRCM - news) Web site, its BCM5400 Transceiver chip will allow systems to operate at 1000
Megabits-per-second (Mbps).
''These new devices offer designers the flexibility to introduce protection without limiting
performance,'' said Mick McKeighan, vice president and general manager of Microsemi's Transient
Suppression business unit. ''The GigaBit Series provides the highest performance protection on the
market, with data rates compatible with speeds achieved by broadband communication IC manufacturers.
Our devices are up to four times faster than the competition.''
Danger from electrical fast transients, ESD, and lightning grows as communication speeds above
1000mb/second are implemented.
Microsemi's new GBIT08 Series are the first TVS devices to integrate ESD protection for a two-line
protection scheme into a single SO-8 surface mount package.
''Next generation communication chip sets from broadband manufacturers are focusing on Voice-Over
IP scenarios where the Internet would be used to transmit live voice. This opens a new market for higher
voltage transient protection products,'' commented Manuel Lynch, Microsemi's worldwide marketing
director.
''When you get outside the comfort of your office or home you need to protect 48-volt lines against
direct lightning hits. So we're currently extending some of our military product capabilities to meet
these more stringent requirements for commercial applications,'' Lynch said.
Designed with Microsemi's proprietary Low Capacitance TVSArray(TM) technology, the GBIT family
eliminates the need for up to six discrete protection components while offering the industry's best ESD,
clamping, and capacitance specifications, the company said.
Pricing and Availability
GBIT08 TVS arrays are available now in an SO-8 package. Pricing is $1.50 per unit in quantities of
10,000. A single-line version of this series is also available in an SOT-143 package. Complete technical
information is provided on the GBIT08 TVS Array Series data sheet available for immediate download
at: microsemi.com.
Microsemi Corp. is a global supplier of high reliability and commercial analog integrated circuits and
power and signal discrete semiconductors for the satellite, telecommunications, computer and
peripherals, military/aerospace, industrial/commercial, and medical markets. More information may be
obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its Web site at microsemi.com.
Note to Editors: Additional information on Microsemi and its products is available at its Web site:
www.microsemi.com. Forward reader inquiries to Microsemi Marketing Communications, 11861 Western
Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92841-2119.
Investor inquiries: David R. Sonksen, Microsemi Corp., Santa Ana, CA, phone 714/979-8220; or Sean
Collins or William F. Coffin, Coffin Communications, Sherman Oaks, CA, phone 818/789-0100.
''Safe Harbor'' Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any
statements set forth in the news release that are not historical in nature 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 the strength and competitive pricing environment of the semiconductor marketplace, demand
for and acceptance of the company's products, the success of planned marketing and promotional
campaigns, realization of backlog, business and economic conditions such as the current industry
conditions, customer order preferences, company strategies, environmental matters, litigation, inventory
obsolescence, the factors mentioned elsewhere in this news release, as well as other factors identified in
the company's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent Forms 10-Q filed by the company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Microsemi Corp.
David R. Sonksen, 714/979-8220 (financial)
Fax: 714/966-5256
or
Cliff Silver, 714/372-8357 (editorial)
Fax: 714/372-3566
or
Manuel Lynch, 714/979-8220 (technical)
Fax: 714/966-5256
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