Micrel Launches Dual 800mA High Efficiency 2.5 MHz Synchronous Buck Regulator Featuring Trickle Mode For Light Load Operation

San Jose, Calif., Aug. 6, 2007 ¡ª Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq:MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today launched the MIC2238, a 2.5MHz dual 800mA synchronous buck (step-down) regulator housed in a tiny 3mm x 3mm MLF® package. The MIC2238¡¯s unique switching architecture scheme, Trickle Mode™, enables industry- leading light load efficiency for Li-Ion battery powered systems that require maximum efficiency in order to prolong use. The MIC2238 is a perfect choice for portable applications including cellular phones, portable media players, WiMax modules, GPS systems, digital still and video cameras. The MIC2238 is currently available in volume, with pricing starting at $1.70, for 1K quantities.

¡°While today¡¯s handheld devices are becoming more powerful, consumers also expect longer battery lives and standby times,¡± noted Ralf Muenster, Micrel¡¯s director of marketing for power products. ¡°Providing two out-of-phase outputs of up to 800mA each, Micrel¡¯s MIC2238 has the horse power to drive today¡¯s most demanding portable applications while at the same time, offering astounding light load efficiencies of up to 94 percent at 5mA and peak efficiencies of more than 96 percent.¡±

The device offers an input voltage range from 2.5 to 5.5V and an ultra-low quiescent current of 28uA at light loads. This assures that only a trickle of current is drawn from the battery, thereby and extending valuable standby time. Moreover, the MIC2238¡¯s design offers two modes of operation, a variable frequency Trickle Mode™ operation for highest light load efficiency with an automatic switchover into full load, and an option for running the device at a constant frequency. In addition, the device offers a power good output signal for sequencing capability. The MIC2238 is available in a tiny 12-pin 3mm x 3mm MLF® with a junction operating range from -40C to +125C.