Micrel's Single-Channel, Constant Power-Limit, Hot Swap Controller Puts Safety First for Insertion/Removal of PC Boards

Micrel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today launched the MIC2310 , a single-FET, constant power-limit Hot-Plug controller. The device addresses numerous power-limiting applications including blade server systems, base stations, high-reliability servers, 12V power distribution backplanes, power-limiting applications, enterprise switch networks, and select telecommunications applications. The MIC2310 is ideally suited for 240-VA system applications specified by UL60950, EN60950, and CSA1950 industry specifications. The IC is currently available in volume quantities; pricing starts at $2.69 for 1K quantities. Samples can be ordered online on Micrel's web site: http://www.micrel.com/ProductList.do .

"Business enterprise/infrastructure systems represent a relatively mature market that is constantly evolving with new standards and changing requirements for safety and capacity," noted John T. Lee, director Non Portable Power, Micrel. "The MIC2310 offers customers an adaptive current limit control solution that is designed to provide constant power limiting in a wide range of applications for the safest possible insertion and removal of PC boards into fixed, rack, and pedestal mid- or back-planes, while using the fewest possible external components."

The MIC2310 features patent-pending, adaptive circuit breaker threshold control circuitry that maintains constant power product (Volt x Amps) at the output over the device's full operating voltage range. The power product is externally programmable for various power applications (50W - 600W) and the voltage is monitored at load (output of the MIC2310) to provide true power limiting. Integration of inrush current control circuitry lowers the external component count and a steady-state load current monitor allows the system manager (microcontroller) to allocate and/or prioritize available power for the downstream system circuits or modules. The integrated solution comes in a 24-pin TSSOP package option.

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 .

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