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

Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth
communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today launched the MIC2341 and
MIC2342. The devices are Dual Channel Hot-Plug Power Controllers that support
the power requirements for PCI Express Specification v2.0. The MIC2341 and
MIC2342 augment Micrel's growing PCIe product family and are ideal for high
performance enterprise computing network system processor boards, DDR memory
boards, embedded systems and gigabit Ethernet add-in cards for the server
networks and RAID/storage network markets. The devices are currently
available in volume quantities and are priced at US$4.54 for 1K quantities.

"The MIC2341 and MIC2342 both offer an integrated solution that minimizes
solution component count and lower overall BOM cost," noted Andy Cowell,
Micrel's marketing vice president for analog products. "In addition, both ICs
feature very rapid response times to potentially catastrophic overcurrent
load events, key in mission-critical applications for the server and
RAID/storage network markets."

The MIC2341 and MIC2342 provide support for 12V, 3.3V, and 3.3VAUX
supplies and are equipped with many features -- including programmable gate
voltage slew-rate control, voltage supervision, programmable current limit,
and circuit breaker functions. The devices support two independent PCI
Express slots, offer integrated power MOSFETS for 3.3VAUX rails with low
backfeed on the MAIN +12V and +3.3V rails, an important consideration during
standby operation for Wake-on-LAN applications. The ICs also offer
dual-level, dual-speed overcurrent fault protection and a
user-programmable primary overcurrent filter to eliminate nuisance tripping.
Separate MAIN and AUX overcurrent fault output signals and load card
detection (present) switch inputs are also offered. Power will be delivered
only when the module/card is fully inserted and power fault isolation allows
an unaffected power rail(s) to remain active and accelerates debugging
effort(s) when locating a faulty area(s) in the circuit. In addition, the ICs
provide system management flexibility in offering either a latched or
auto-retry option. The MAIN output rails of the MIC2342 shut down during an
overcurrent fault on AUX for a given slot, whereas MAIN outputs of the
MIC2341 are independent of an overcurrent fault occurring on AUX. Both ICs
are available in RoHS compliant 48-pin TQFP Pb-free package. All options
feature a 0-deg C to +70-deg C ambient temperature range.

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