SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 24, 2012) - Micrel, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ MCRL ]), an industry leader in high performance analog and high-speed mixed signal solutions, LAN and timing and communications solutions, today announced the availability of four new products that incorporate Micrel's proprietary Ripple Blocker™ technology which was launched in the first quarter of 2012. The [ MIC94305 ] and the [ MIC94325/45/55 ] family support more than twice the output current load offered by previously released 200mA Ripple Blocker products with the same ground-breaking, highly efficient noise suppression for today's highly sensitive data and image capturing systems. The Ripple Blocker family is ideal for today's most demanding portable applications including smart phones, tablets, notebooks/webcams, digital still and video cameras, GPS, mobile computing and automotive and industrial applications. The [ MIC94305/25/45/55 ] are currently available in volume with pricing starting at $0.31 for 1K quantities. Samples can be ordered at: [ http://www.samplecomponents.com/scripts/samplecenter.dll?micrel ].

"Like their predecessors, these new high-current LDO linear voltage regulators provide low-frequency ripple attenuation (switching noise rejection) to a regulated output voltage -- essential for applications where a DC-to-DC switching converter is required, but where switching noise cannot be tolerated by sensitive downstream circuits," noted Brian Hedayati, marketing vice president for the analog division at Micrel. "Adding Micrel's Ripple Blocker LDO regulators after the DC-to-DC converters provides unmatched power supply ripple rejection (PSRR) with input voltages operating near the output voltage level to improve overall system efficiency. The essential difference with these new devices lies in their ability to support higher output current loads -- a requirement that has become increasingly important for CMOS Sensors in digital still cameras, security cameras and rear view camera for automotive applications."

Micrel's Ripple Blocker technology improves minimum detectable signal capturing for low-light image sensors by suppressing system power ripple for the Image System Processor (ISP). By eliminating the large LC filter that would typically be required to reduce ripple in a discrete solution, the devices provide more usable board space to accommodate space-constrained designs. In addition, this new series offers an operating input range of 1.8V to 3.6V with exceptional transient performance, ultra-low dropout and very high PSRR (80db @ 1KHz).

The new devices deliver up to 500mA output current and active noise rejection over a wide frequency band: >50dB from 10Hz to 5MHz at a 500mA load. The [ MIC943x5 ] options include a 500mA load switch [ MIC94305 ], two fixed output LDOs ([ MIC94345/55 ]) or adjustable output voltage ([ MIC94325 ]). The [ MIC94355 ] version offers an auto-discharge to discharge the output capacitor when the part is disabled. All versions offer current-limit and thermal-limit protection. The devices also feature a -40degC to +125degC junction temperature range. Package options include 0.84mm x 1.32mm, 6-bump CSP and the 1.6mm x 1.6mm Thin DFN package. For more information, or to order a Ripple Blocker evaluation board, visit: [ Ripple Blocker ].

About Micrel, Inc.
Micrel, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of IC solutions for the worldwide high performance linear and power, LAN and timing and communications 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: [ www.micrel.com ].

Note: MLF is a registered trademark of Amkor Technology. Ripple Blocker is a trademark of Micrel Inc.