IRVINE, Calif., June 1, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, has announced four additions to its DRF family of RF MOSFET drivers and hybrid RF driver/MOSFETs.
Designated the DRF200 switch mode driver, the DRF1201 and DRF1202 single-channel hybrids, and the DRF1300 dual-channel hybrid, the new devices are targeted at 2-50 MHz, high-power, high-voltage Class D and E RF generators that are used extensively in plasma generation, CO2 laser excitation, switch mode power amplifiers, pulse generators, ultrasound transducer drivers and acoustical optical modulators.
KEY FEATURES
* Drives up to 3nF MOSFET gate capacitance (DRF 200) * Up to 1100 Watts pulsed output power (DRF1201) * Low-cost, high-power cycle capable flangeless packages * Up to 50 MHz operation (50 Ohm load) * 165 V operation / 1000 V BV(DSS) * Class D and E operation * Maximized safe operating area (SOA) * High load mismatch tolerance * Superior thermal stability
The DRF200 switch mode driver has been optimized to drive 500V and 1000V RF power MOSFETs. It is able to drive RF MOSFETs gates having greater than 3nF capacitance to 15 volts at 15MHz. Previously, driving such high voltage MOSFETs at RF frequencies has been difficult because of their large gate capacitance.
To further optimize system performance, the DRF1201 and DRF1202 single-channel hybrids integrate the driver, bypass capacitors and either 500V or 1000V RF MOSFETs into a single package. This maximizes performance by minimizing transmission line parasitics between the driver, bypass capacitors and MOSFETs.
The DRF1300 hybrid contains two independent channels, each containing a driver and a 1,000V RF MOSFET in a push-pull configuration. All DRF devices feature a proprietary anti-ring function to eliminate cross conduction in bridge or push-pull topologies. All DRF parts can be externally selected in either an inverting or non-inverting configuration, except for the DRF200 (non-inverting only).
The DRF hybrids enable a new generation of low-cost, high-density Class D & E RF amplifiers operating at higher voltages and higher load impedances. The new 1000V DRFs can easily operate at 125V, allowing load impedances of 50 Ohms. The higher impedance allows simpler transformers and combiners. Paralleled devices can now operate into reasonable and convenient impedances. The increased operating voltage also lowers the DC current required for any given power output, increasing efficiency and reducing the size, weight and cost of other system components.
The DRF flangeless package offers low thermal resistance and lower cost compared to ceramic packages having a copper tungsten flange. The RF flangeless package design uses an air cavity and closely matched CTEs that maximize system reliability by alleviating stress during power cycling. Typical applications have been demonstrated beyond 1 million cycles with a power density of 700 Watts/square inch.
Samples and prototype production quantities are available now. At quantities of 100 pieces, the unit price for the DRF200 is $29.24. The DRF200, DRF1201, DRF1202 and DRF1300 are available through the factory and authorized Microsemi RF distributors. Datasheets are available on our website at www.microsemi.com.
About Microsemi Corporation
Microsemi is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors. The company's semiconductors manage and control or regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals.
Microsemi's products include individual components as well as integrated circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance and reliability, optimizing battery performance, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implantable medical, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers, monitors and LCD TVs, and automotive and mobile connectivity applications. More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its web site at http://www.microsemi.com.
The Microsemi Corporation logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1233
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING FACTORS THAT CAN MATERIALLY AFFECT MICROSEMI'S FUTURE RESULTS.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in the news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature are forward-looking statements. For instance, all statements of belief and all statements about plans or expectations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the difficulties regarding the making of estimates and projections, the hiring and retention of qualified personnel in a competitive labor market, acquiring, managing and integrating new operations, businesses or assets, uncertainty as to the future profitability of acquired businesses, delays in the realization of any accretion from acquisition transactions, any circumstances that adversely impact the end markets of acquired businesses, difficulties in closing or disposing of operations or assets, difficulties in transferring work from one plant to another, rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence, difficulties predicting the timing and amount of plant closure costs, the potential inability to realize cost savings or productivity gains and to improve capacity utilization, potential cost increases, weakness or competitive pricing environment of the marketplace, uncertain demand for and acceptance of the company's products, adverse circumstances in any of our end markets including the challenging conditions in our analog / mixed-signal markets, results of in-process or planned development or marketing and promotional campaigns, changes in demand for products, difficulties foreseeing future demand, effects of limited visibility of future sales, potential non-realization of expected orders or non-realization of backlog, product returns, product liability, and other potential unexpected business and economic conditions or adverse changes in current or expected industry conditions, business disruptions, epidemics, health advisories, disasters, national emergencies, wars or potential future effects of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, variations in customer order preferences, fluctuations in market prices of the company's common stock and potential unavailability of additional capital on favorable terms, difficulties in implementing company strategies, dealing with environmental or other regulatory matters or litigation, or any matters involving litigation, contingent liabilities or other claims, difficulties and costs imposed by law, including under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, difficulties in determining the scope of, and procuring and maintaining, adequate insurance coverage, difficulties, and costs, of protecting patents and other proprietary rights, work stoppages, labor issues, inventory obsolescence and difficulties regarding customer qualification of products, manufacturing facilities and processes, and other difficulties managing consolidation or growth, including in the maintenance of internal controls, the implementation of information systems, and the training of personnel. In addition to these factors and any other factors mentioned elsewhere in this news release, the reader should refer as well to the factors, uncertainties or risks identified in the company's most recent Form 10-K and all subsequent Form 10-Q reports filed by Microsemi with the SEC. Additional risk factors shall be identified from time to time in Microsemi's future filings. Microsemi does not undertake to supplement or correct any information in this release that is or becomes incorrect.
Investor Inquiries: David R. Sonksen, Microsemi Corporation, Irvine, CA (949) 221-7101.