Microsemi Announces Industry's First High-Power Gigabit Multi-Port Midspan Series for WiMAX, PTZ Cameras, 802.11n APs and Thin Clients


IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, announced today the launch of the industry's first high power gigabit series of multi-port Power over Ethernet (PoE) midspans based on pre-standard IEEE 802.3at specifications.

Designated PD-7000G, the new additions to Microsemi's PowerDsine(r) product portfolio allow double the power currently available within the existing IEEE 802.3af PoE standards, thus enabling broad WiMAX, PTZ cameras, and 802.11n access point and thin client network applications.

The PD-7000G Midspan Family includes 6-, 12- and 24- port versions, complementing Microsemi's 30W single-port high power PD-7001G PowerDsine unit targeting networks of low-density IP devices.

The PD-7000G multi-port units include PowerDsine's exclusive PowerView Pro(tm) management option that allows simple and efficient monitoring and control of network devices. This secure SNMPv3 application enables remote power-off/power-on, unit scheduling, UPS power monitoring and web-based monitoring.

"We answered a request made by many of our customers to provide a solution for higher power applications, prior to the ratification of the next generation PoE standard, IEEE 802.3at," says Amit Gilboa, Product Line Manager for PowerDsine Systems at Microsemi. "Driving 30 watts per-port gives an optimal solution to 802.11n access points, PTZ and dome network cameras, thin clients, WiMAX devices and more."

The PD-7000G series allow a safe and cost effective PoE solution for Ethernet end terminals. More devices can be powered via the network, thus eliminating the need to use a power supply and install costly power outlets close to the end device. In addition, by using the PD-7000G series now -- which powers on the spare pairs as required by the current PoE standard -- a network will be ready for 4-pair powering by combining with another PoE switch later on.

The gigabit interface makes the PD-7000G Series an ideal solution for gigabit video phones, WiMAX transmitters or 802.11n access points. Its high efficiency design achieves low temperatures inside the midspan for long product life and quality.

"The PD-7000G is the high-power 'big brother' of the PD-3500 and PD-6500, our IEEE 802.3af Midspan Series," Gilboa said. "We are tightly following the progress in the IEEE committee, so these products are part of our road-map towards supporting IEEE 802.3at devices. Having shipped more than 3.3 million midspan ports and more than 37 million PoE ports to-date, we are continuously monitoring the market and leveraging our portfolio to support evolving customer demands," he said.

The PowerDsine PD-7000G series generates safe power over standard Cat 5 cabling, and at the same time provides maximum power, by using a 55 volt output. The PD-7001G Midspan unit also includes a unique interlocking feature that allows users to scale deployments by linking together multiple one-port midspan units, as new devices are added to the network.

"Microsemi, which finalized our acquisition of PowerDsine in January 2007, is now a leading contributor to the new High-Power PoE standard - the 802.3at," says Steve Litchfield, Executive Vice President and Group President of Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group. "We are committed to keep supplying state-of-the-art Power-over-Ethernet products to the market -- both in integrated circuits and midspan systems. By using the PD7000G, end-terminal vendors can arrive early to market with their high power PoE devices."

Product Availability: Production units of the PD-7000G multi-port series will be available in March 2008, with prototypes and demo units available on order in February. Single-port PD-7001G high power midspans are available in production quantities now. For more information, visit our website: www.microsemi.com/powerdsine.

About Power over Ethernet Technology

PoE is a technology for wired Ethernet, the most widely installed local area network technology in use today. PoE allows the electrical power necessary for the operation of each end-device to be carried by data cables, rather than by separate power cords. It minimizes the number of wires used to install the network, resulting in lower cost, less downtime, easier maintenance and greater installation flexibility. The technology was pioneered by PowerDsine, a founding member of the IEEE 802.3af Task Force. The company was acquired by Microsemi Corporation in January 2007 and is now part of Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group.

About Microsemi Corporation

Microsemi Corporation, with corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, 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, battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implanted medical, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers, monitors and LCD TVs, automotive and mobile connectivity applications. More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its website at http://www.microsemi.com.

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Investor Inquiries: David R. Sonksen, Microsemi Corporation, Irvine, CA (949) 221-7101.



            

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