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

Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth
communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today launched the MIC4830 and
MIC4832, a new series of 180Vpp and 220Vpp low noise electroluminescent lamp
(EL) drivers designed to drive panels of up to 4 square inches or greater.
Applications include mobile phones, PDAs, pagers, calculators, multimedia
players, and remote controls. The ICs are available in volume with pricing
starting at US$0.85 for 1K quantities.

"The MIC4830 and MIC4832 raise the efficiency standard for EL drivers,"
noted Ralf Muenster, Micrel's marketing director for power products. "By
improving efficiency, designers can achieve longer battery life in today's
most demanding and feature-rich consumer applications, while at the same time
eliminating the annoying buzz frequently associated with EL panels."

High efficiency for the MIC4830 and MIC4832 is achieved, in part, by
consuming a typical supply current of just 45 micro Amps. Utilizing Micrel's
advanced Bipolar, CMOS, DMOS (BCD) technology, the ICs integrate a high
voltage boost converter and a new H-bridge driver for driving a large EL
lamp. In contrast to previous designs that often produced an annoying audible
buzz, the new H-Bridge design eliminates audible noise in both products by
creating a smoother AC waveform across the EL panel. Operating from an input
voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V, the MIC4830 and MIC4832 offer greater
flexibility via externally adjustable lamp and boost converter frequencies.
The MIC4830/32 are available in RoHS compliant MLF(R) 3mm x 3mm and MSOP-8
Pb-free package options. All options feature a -40-degC to +85-degC junction
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