SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - July 2, 2009) - Micrel Inc., (NASDAQ: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today introduced the first members of the family of Hyper Speed Control™ PWM controllers, the MIC2164, MIC2164-2 and MIC2164-3. The IC's Hyper Speed Control™ architecture significantly reduces the required output capacitance and allows for excellent transient response, while making high delta V operation (VIN=28V, VOUT=0.8V) possible. The solutions are ideal for set-top boxes, gateways, routers, computing peripherals, and telecom/networking equipments. The MIC2164 is currently available in volume quantities with pricing starting at $0.72 for 1K quantities while MIC2164-2 and MIC2164-3 are priced at $0.77 and $0.82 for 1K quantities respectively. Samples can be ordered on line at: http://www.micrel.com/ProductList.do.

"Micrel's unique Hyper Speed Control™ architecture offers terrific benefits such as reduced BOM cost and world class transient response for cost-sensitive applications such as set-top-box, graphic cards and servers," stated John T. Lee, director of power products, Micrel. "The huge advantage gained by our digitally modified hyper speed architecture is high speed, resulting in a smaller footprint and lower system-level cost for our customers."

Micrel's new devices are constant on-time mode PWM controllers that feature wide input voltage range, high performance, and are capable of driving up to 25A of load current. The MIC2164 operates at 300kHz PWM frequency while MIC2164-2 and MIC2164-3 operate at 600kHz and 1MHz respectively, to allow a size reduction path. The family achieves greater than 95 percent efficiency, while still switching at high frequencies, over a broad load range. The MIC2164 Hyper Speed Control™ family of PWM controllers operates over a wide input supply range of 3V to 28V and also offers cycle-by-cycle current limiting for FET protection. While the UVLO circuitry ensures proper operation under power-sag conditions to prevent the MOSFETs from overheating, the Soft Start feature reduces the inrush current. It also features built-in compensation with an external ripple injection circuit. The MIC2164 Hyper Speed Control™ family of PWM controllers is available in a 10-pin MSOP package with a junction operating range from -40degC to +125degC. All supporting documentation including the datasheet can be found on Micrel's website at: www.micrel.com

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: Hyper Speed Control is a trademark of Micrel, Inc.