Micrel Launches World's Smallest High Efficiency Dual Synchronous Buck Converter

SAN JOSE, California, December 19 /PRNewswire/ --

Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth
Communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today launched the MIC23250, the
industry's smallest high efficient, dual 400mA 4 MHz PWM synchronous buck
step-down converter housed in a tiny 2mm x 2mm, 10 lead MLF(R) package. This
device is ideally suited for today's portable applications where high 
efficiency, low output ripple and small size are crucial. The MIC23250 
utilizes a proprietary switching method called "Hyper Light Load(TM)" that 
achieves high efficiency, very low output ripple, and fast transient response 
while using very small output capacitors. The MIC23250 is available in volume 
with pricing starting at US$1.47 for 1K quantities.

"With the world's smallest solution, the MIC23250 gives portable system
designers the ability to extend battery life with two high efficiency Hyper
Light Load(TM) output rails and still maintain a tiny circuit footprint,"
noted Andy Cowell, Micrel's vice president of marketing for Analog. "The 2mm
x 2mm package and 4MHz switching speed, which allows the use of 1uH to 2.2uH
inductors, equates to the smallest dual portable power solution on the market
today."

This combination of high efficiency and fast transient response makes the
MIC23250 a perfect choice to power the latest generation of low-voltage
microprocessor cores and peripheral devices for mobile handsets, GPS, PDAs,
portable media players (PMP), other portable devices. The MIC23250 integrates
two synchronous rectified DC-to-DC converters which eliminates the need for
external MOSFETs. The device accommodates an input voltage range of 2.7V to
5.5V, and has fixed preset output voltage options down to as low as 0.72V.
Under normal loads, the MIC23250 features 4MHz CCM PWM operation mode and
automatically transitions to a variable frequency Hyper Light Load(TM)
operation mode during light load conditions to maintain very high efficiency.
The MIC23250 also features 35uA typical quiescent current (both regulators
operating), ultra-fast line and load transient response. This, while
providing a low voltage output ripple of 20mVpp in Hyper Light Load(TM) mode
and less than 3mV output voltage ripple in full PWM mode. With up to 94
percent peak efficiency and approximately 85 percent at 1mA load, the
MIC23250 is a perfect choice where size, efficiency and low noise are
paramount design considerations. The MIC23250 is available in a tiny 10-pin
2mm x 2mm MLF(R) with a junction operating range from -40 degrees C to +125
degrees C.

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. Hyper Light Load
is a trademark of Micrel, Inc.

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