Micrel boosts power efficiency and high-current density with high-accuracy six channel linear LED drivers

June 6, 2011
Date Announced: 06 Jun 2011 San Jose, Calif. — Micrel, Inc. (Nasdaq:MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today unveiled a pair of new linear WLED drivers aimed at further expanding its portfolio of lighting products. The MIC4811/MIC4812 are six channel, constant-current sink LED drivers targeting billboard, marquee, instrument and other large, general-purpose LED displays. The MIC4811/MIC4812 are currently available in volume quantities with pricing starting at $0.65 and $0.68 respectively for 1Ku quantities. Samples can be ordered on line at: www.micrel.com/ProductList.do. “The MIC4811/MIC4812 LED channels can operate with an output voltage on the LED pins as low as 0.19V which enables more power-efficient designs,” noted Doyle Slack, senior marketing director for Analog. “With its Dynamic Average Matching architecture, both the MIC4811 and the MIC4812 achieve industry-leading LED channel matching of 1 percent across the entire dimming range.” The MIC4811/MIC4812 are high efficiency linear White LED (WLED) drivers designed to drive up to six high current WLEDs for signage lighting. The MIC4811/MIC4812 provide the highest possible efficiency at low source voltages as this architecture has no switching losses present in traditional charge pumps or inductive boost circuits. These linear drivers maintain constant current for up to six WLEDs and feature a typical dropout of 100mV at 50mA (MIC4811) and 190mV at 100mA (MIC4812).The MIC4811/MIC4812 feature Dynamic Average Matching™ (DAM™) which is specifically designed to provide optimum matching across all WLEDs. The high accuracy (±1% typical) current regulated WLED channels ensure uniform display illumination under all conditions. The brightness is controlled through an Ultra Fast PWM™ interface operating down to less than 1 percent duty cycle.The MIC4811/MIC4812 are available in an 10-pin MSOP package and a 10-pin MSOP exposed pad package respectively with a junction temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. All supporting documentation including the datasheets can be found on Micrel’s website (see below).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.

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Julieanne DiBene Director, Marketing Communications Micrel Inc. 1-408-474-1276

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Web Site:www.micrel.com