New Microsemi Sensor Extends Automatic Control for Applications Affected by Ambient Light
Monday September 15, 8:30 am ET
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 2003--Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC - News):
* Mimics human eye respons
* Simple, small, cost effective device
* Sensitive to broad light range
Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC - News), a leading manufacturer of power management integrated circuits, has introduced its second in a unique line of visible light sensors that allow automatic brightness control of artificial lighting and other applications affected by ambient light.
Designated the LX1971(TM) Wide Range Visible Light Sensor, the new circuit provides a 4-decade usable light range, broadening its potential use in applications having high precision and accuracy needs.
The LX1971 sensor features the same patent-pending architecture as Microsemi's LX1970(TM) sensor that emulates the spectral response of the human eye with accuracy so fast and smooth that viewers are unaware as lamp brightness changes with fluctuations in the ambient light.
Target applications include the control of artificial lighting, LED signage and displays, street lighting, and automotive light sensors. With its wider usable light range the LX1971 can be used stand-alone, or interfaced to an A/D converter for full digital control systems requiring light as an input.
"This is an excellent addition to our light sensor offering for customers needing additional precision and highly accurate light measurement," said James J. Peterson, Microsemi President and Chief Executive Officer. "This technology continues to create a great deal of interest in our automotive marketplace," he added.
By tracking close to the spectral response of the human eye, the new sensor largely ignores both ultra violet and infrared wavelengths that often confuse conventional light sensors, when exposed to sunlight and even radiant heat. The LX1971 can operate in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C.
The new Microsemi sensor employs a PIN diode array that provides an accurate and very repeatable current transfer function that includes a square root function to increase the dynamic light range. No optical filters are needed. The sensor converts light to matching current source and current sink outputs, so design-in can be as simple as adding a single resistor, avoiding application complexities and reducing cost.
The LX1971 measures only 3mm square in an 8-pin MSOP plastic surface mount package that is pin-for-pin compatible with the standard LX1970(TM) sensor designed for portable display applications, the first offering in Microsemi's new sensor portfolio.
The LX1971 is priced at $1.05 in 1,000 lot quantities. Samples are available immediately with production quantities scheduled for the fourth calendar quarter of 2003. Complete technical information on Microsemi's line of visible light sensors is available on the Microsemi web site, www.Microsemi.com. Samples can be ordered through this site, or from Microsemi sales representatives and franchised distributors.
About Microsemi
Microsemi is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of analog, mixed-signal and discrete semiconductors. The company's semiconductors typically 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 complete circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving reliability, battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. Markets the company serves include mobile connectivity, computer/peripherals, datacom, medical, industrial, automotive, digital media, space/satellite and military.
More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its web site at microsemi.com.
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 belief and 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 the difficulties regarding the making of estimates and projections, the hiring and retention of qualified personnel in a competitive labor market, acquiring and integrating new operations or assets, closing or disposing of operations or assets, rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence, the potential inability to realize cost savings or productivity gains and to improve capacity utilization, potential cost increases, weakness or competitive pricing environment of the marketplace, uncertain demand for and acceptance of the company's products, results of in-process or planned development or marketing and promotional campaigns, changes in demand for products, difficulties foreseeing future demand, 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 unexpected business and economic conditions or adverse changes in current or expected industry conditions, business disruptions, 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 or litigation, difficulties in determining and maintaining adequate insurance coverage, difficulties protecting patents and other proprietary rights, and inventory obsolescence. 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 on December 19, 2002, and the Form 10-Q filed on August 12, 2003, by Microsemi with the Securities and Exchange Commission which relates to the second quarter. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in Microsemi's future filings, including the Form 10-Q which will be filed that relates to the third quarter. Microsemi does not undertake to supplement or correct any information in this release that is or becomes incorrect.
Contact:
Microsemi Corporation, Irvine
David R. Sonksen, 949-221-7101 (Financial)
or
Cliff Silver, 949-221-7112 (Editorial)
Source: Microsemi Corporation |
