California Micro Devices Introduces XtremeESD(TM) Protection Device with 20kV ESD Protection

MILPITAS, California, April 28 /PRNewswire/ --

- Industry's Only ESD Solution that passes both HDMI(TM) 1.3a Compliance
and 20kV ESD Tests

California Micro Devices (Nasdaq: CAMD) today introduced the latest ESD
(electrostatic discharge) protection device in the XtremeESD family utilizing
the PicoGuard XS(TM) architecture, the CM1234. It features 8 channels of ESD
protection that meet + -15kV contact discharge, and + -20kV air discharge per
the IEC61000-4-2 standard, while meeting 100 Ohm differential impedance
matching requirements of the HDMI(TM) 1.3a and DisplayPort(TM) digital video
standards. It is ideal for digital TVs, LCD displays, notebook computers, set
top boxes, and HD DVD recorders.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080428/AQM036)

"Consumer electronics manufacturers often test to standards greater than
8kV, particularly on ports easily accessed by consumers such as side and
front mounted digital video ports", stated Joe Salvador, director of
marketing for computing and digital consumer products. "Until now, there were
no ESD protection devices that could meet these higher levels of protection
and still maintain signal integrity at HDMI(TM) 1.3a data rates."

Picoguard XS Impedance Matching

The CM1234 incorporates the recently introduced PicoGuard XS architecture
that integrates inductors with the diodes to create fixed point impedance
matching for high speed data lines. Traditionally, system designers must
compensate for the capacitance of the ESD protection device by adding
external inductance, eliminating capacitance under the signal traces near the
ESD device, or both. These approaches add complexity and cost, and are PCB
board dependent, limiting the ability to use multiple board vendors. In many
cases, this may not even be possible, particularly if the capacitance of the
device is too high as is typical with existing 20kV ESD devices. The CM1234
eliminates the need for these measures, providing matched impedance with no
external compensation or components required.

CM1234 -- Increased ESD Protection

The CM1234 provides protection for four pairs of differential channels,
offering ESD protection to IEC61000-4-2 standard + -15kV contact discharge
and + - 20kV air discharge. The integration of inductors with the ESD diodes
provides for improved ESD protection as well as outstanding signal integrity.
Compared with current best in class ESD diode arrays, the CM1234 offers:

-- 40% reduction in peak clamping voltage
    -- 15-40% reduction in peak residual current
    -- 100 Ohm differential impedance matching with no external compensation
       required
    -- Straight through routing for improved layout
    -- Compact 16 pin TDFN package for reduced board space



Updated http://www.XtremeESD.com Website

This new ESD Resource Center provides relevant information about ESD
protection to designers of personal computer and digital consumer electronics
applications. The site contains technical white papers, product
specifications, articles, presentations and an open forum on various ESD
protection topics. Go to: http://www.XtremeESD.com.

Pricing and Availability

The CM1234 is available in a 16 lead TDFN package. It is currently
sampling and will be in full production this quarter. It is priced at US$0.59
each at 1,000 units.

About California Micro Devices Corporation

California Micro Devices Corporation is a leading supplier of application
specific analog and mixed signal semiconductor products for the mobile
handset, digital consumer electronics and personal computer markets. Key
products include protection devices for mobile handsets, digital consumer
electronics products such as digital TVs, and personal computers as well as
analog and mixed signal ICs for mobile handset displays. Detailed corporate
and product information may be accessed at http://www.cmd.com.

XtremeESD and PicoGuard XS are trademarks of California Micro Devices
Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Web site: http://www.cmd.com
              http://www.XtremeESD.com