SAN JOSE, California, December 12 /PRNewswire/ --

Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth
communications, and Ethernet IC solutions, today added four new solutions to
their growing family of post amplifiers; the SY88303BL, SY88305BL, SY88307BL,
SY88309BL. All four low-power Post Amplifiers feature Loss-of-Signal (LOS) or
Signal Detect circuits, which are optimized to detect a wide input signal
range. This feature is ideal for copper module applications and fiber optic
module designs that use high gain ROSAs (Receiver Optical Sub-Assemblies).
These receiver designs typically use an APD (Avalanche Photo Diode) or high
gain TIA (Transimpedance Amplifier). The solutions are targeted at a wide
variety of data and telecomm markets including PON, Gigabit Ethernet, 1X and
2X Fiber Channel, and SONET/SDH: OC3/12/24/48 -- STM 1/4/8/16 data rates. All
devices are currently in volume production with pricing for 1K quantities
starting at US$2.49.

"In applications where there is the presence of a high noise floor or
there is a need to detect large input signals, it is important to use post
amplifiers with detection circuits that provide the right threshold level
settings," said Thomas S. Wong, vice president high bandwidth products for
Micrel. "These new post amplifier solutions offer better alternatives to
those available on the market today."

The SY88303BL and SY88307BL both feature a LOS circuit that is optimized
to detect a larger and wider input signal range. Both optimized LOS/SD
circuits are designed for applications where Avalanche Photodiodes and/or
high-gain transimpedance amplifiers are used where a significant amount of
noise can be added to the signal. Also, these Post Amplifier solutions can be
used in copper module and backplane applications where the signal levels are
normally much higher. The SY88303BL and SY88305BL have CML-level outputs
whereas the SY88307BL and SY88309BL have higher swing PECL-level outputs. The
devices are also well-suited for operation in multi-rate applications from
155Mbps to 3.2Gbps. The detectable input range extends from 20mVpp to
140mVpp, which is wider than the range offered by devices currently available
on the market. The devices also feature adjustable LOS threshold, internal
50Ohm termination, and high gain through their data paths. The SY88305BL and
SY88309BL are identical to the aforementioned Post Amplifiers except they
include a Signal-Detect (SD) circuit instead of a LOS circuit. The different
data output and input detection circuit options offer system designers
flexibility in their projects and demonstrate Micrel's commitment to
providing optimum limiting post amplifier solutions for every application.

These products are suited for multi-rate applications where the same post
amplifier is optimized to operate over a wide range of data rates and signal
amplitudes. They do not require external compensation and can operate from
155Mbps to 3.2Gbps with signal amplitudes ranging from 10mVpp to 1800mVpp.
All the new Micrel devices are offered in an ultra-small 16-pin MLF(R)
package which saves critical space while providing excellent performance. The
ICs also come in a 10-pin EPAD-MSOP package option.

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.

Note: MLF is a registered trademark of Amkor Technology.

Web site: http://www.micrel.com