SAN JOSE, California, February 25 /PRNewswire/ --

-  MICRF218 RF Solution Escapes From Jamming Source, Goes To Alternate 
Frequency

Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth
and Ethernet IC solutions, today announced that it is launching the world's
first programmable receiver featuring jam avoidance. The MICRF218, which is
part of Micrel's QwikRadio(R) family, is targeted at garage door openers and
tire pressure monitoring systems. It is the world's first integrated ASK/OOK
receiver with selectable IF bandwidth for 300 to 450 MHz operation. The IC is
currently available in volume with pricing starting at US$1.71 for 10K
quantities.

"The MICRF218 is unique for its ability to "escape" from a jamming source
and migrate to an alternate frequency," stated John Lee, director of
mixed-signal and RF products, Micrel. "This is a crucial feature due to
recent homeland security measures deploying a new mobile radio system. This
new radio system presents the possibility of jamming at the 390 MHz
frequency, a frequency also commonly used by garage door remote controls. The
MICRF218 receiver system can avoid jamming by switching to a quieter
frequency."

The MICRF218 can accommodate two reference crystals with the use of an
external switch. It features a fully integrated IF section with built-in
image rejection. The IF section has dual IF bandwidths that are externally
selectable. In addition, a wide IF bandwidth can be chosen for backward
compatibility with older transmitters that are LC-based. Wide IF bandwidth
allows the receiver to capture a signal that slightly deviates from the
intended communication frequency, or one can select a narrow IF bandwidth
that operates with a crystal-based transmitter to improve selectivity to
increase communication distance. There is no sacrifice of performance with
either option.

For tire pressure monitoring system applications, a -40 to +125 deg-C
operating temperature range can cause significant frequency deviation in the
transmitter. The MICRF218AYQS in wide IF bandwidth mode can accommodate
transmitter signal drift due to temperature changes in the operating
environment.

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: QwikRadio is a registered trademark of Micrel, Inc. Certain
QwikRadio ICs were developed under a development agreement with AIT of
Orlando, FL.

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