SAN JOSE, California, December 17 /PRNewswire/ --

Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth
communications, and Ethernet IC solutions, today added two new solutions to
its growing family of Post Amplifiers. The SY88343HL and SY88289HL are
high-sensitivity, low-power CML limiting post amplifiers, designed with twice 
the signal gain of the previously announced SY88343DL and SY88289CL. These 
solutions are targeted at applications using low-cost transimpedance 
amplifiers and/or low gain PIN diodes which occur in a wide variety of data 
and telecomm markets including PON, Gigabit Ethernet, SFP/SFF optical 
transceivers, 1X and 2X Fiber Channel, and SONET/SDH: OC3/12/24/48 - 
STM 1/4/8/16 data rates. Both devices are currently in volume production with 
pricing for 1K quantities starting at US$2.49.

"Higher gain, high-sensitivity post amplifiers exhibit better Bit Error
Rate (BER) performance as a result of bigger eye opening when detecting and
receiving very weak signals," said Thomas S. Wong, vice president high
bandwidth products for Micrel. "These devices are recommended for systems
that have stringent BER and low cost requirements."

In a fiber optic module, the devices connect to typical trans-impedance
amplifiers (TIAs). The linear signal output from TIAs can contain significant
amounts of noise and may vary in amplitude over time. The SY88289HL and
SY88343HL quantize these signals and output them in low noise CML-level
waveforms. The SY88343HL and SY88289HL both feature high input sensitivity
and can amplify input signals as small as 4mVpp to drive CML/PECL devices.
The SY88343HL has the same footprint as all other Micrel Post Amplifiers
which allow for flexible upgrades and interchangeability.

These solutions also feature high-sensitivity Loss-Of-Signal circuits
which are ideal for detecting very small input signals. The new Post
Amplifiers are intended for applications where the Receiver Optical
Subassemblies (ROSAs) with low-cost/low-gain transimpedance amplifiers and/or
a PIN Photodiodes are used. The devices have wide bandwidth, high gain, and
are optimized to operate over a wide range of data rates, from 155Mbps to
3.2Gbps. Both Post Amplifiers have chatter-free open collector TTL LOS
outputs with adjustable LOSlvl threshold. The ICs can amplify as low as 4mv
signals to drive devices with CML and PECL inputs. Each device operates from
a single 3.3V power supply, over temperatures ranging from -40 deg C to
+85 deg C and come in a tiny 3mm x 3mm 16-pin MLF(R) package.

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