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

Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth Communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today launched the MIC23250, the industry's smallest high efficient, dual 400mA 4 MHz PWM synchronous buck step-down converter housed in a tiny 2mm x 2mm, 10 lead MLF(R) package. This device is ideally suited for today's portable applications where high efficiency, low output ripple and small size are crucial. The MIC23250 utilizes a proprietary switching method called "Hyper Light Load(TM)" that achieves high efficiency, very low output ripple, and fast transient response while using very small output capacitors. The MIC23250 is available in volume with pricing starting at US$1.47 for 1K quantities.

"With the world's smallest solution, the MIC23250 gives portable system designers the ability to extend battery life with two high efficiency Hyper Light Load(TM) output rails and still maintain a tiny circuit footprint," noted Andy Cowell, Micrel's vice president of marketing for Analog. "The 2mm x 2mm package and 4MHz switching speed, which allows the use of 1uH to 2.2uH inductors, equates to the smallest dual portable power solution on the market today."

This combination of high efficiency and fast transient response makes the MIC23250 a perfect choice to power the latest generation of low-voltage microprocessor cores and peripheral devices for mobile handsets, GPS, PDAs, portable media players (PMP), other portable devices. The MIC23250 integrates two synchronous rectified DC-to-DC converters which eliminates the need for external MOSFETs. The device accommodates an input voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V, and has fixed preset output voltage options down to as low as 0.72V. Under normal loads, the MIC23250 features 4MHz CCM PWM operation mode and automatically transitions to a variable frequency Hyper Light Load(TM) operation mode during light load conditions to maintain very high efficiency. The MIC23250 also features 35uA typical quiescent current (both regulators operating), ultra-fast line and load transient response. This, while providing a low voltage output ripple of 20mVpp in Hyper Light Load(TM) mode and less than 3mV output voltage ripple in full PWM mode. With up to 94 percent peak efficiency and approximately 85 percent at 1mA load, the MIC23250 is a perfect choice where size, efficiency and low noise are paramount design considerations. The MIC23250 is available in a tiny 10-pin 2mm x 2mm MLF(R) with a junction operating range from -40 degrees C to +125 degrees C.

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. Hyper Light Load is a trademark of Micrel, Inc.

Web site: http://www.micrel.com

Julieanne DiBene, Marketing Communications, of Micrel, Inc., +1-408-474-1276, Julie.DiBene@Micrel.com