IRVINE, Calif., April 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, has commended the release to ballot of the IEEE802.3at-draft 3.0 standard for delivering higher power over Ethernet data cables.
The new standard, also known as PoEPlus, increases the maximum power available over data cables to 25.5 watts, essentially doubling the power to end devices including FTTx Optical Network Terminators, IEEE802.11n access points, pan-tilt-zoom security cameras, thin clients and access control units. Ratification is expected during 2009.
The proposed IEEE802.3at-draft3.0 maintains most of the features of earlier drafts, making it fully backwards compatible with the existing IEEE802.3af standard. It also allows end devices to negotiate their power requirements more effectively than in the IEEE802.3af standard. In addition, a new IEEE802.3at Task Force led by Microsemi is studying the possibility of using all eight wires on CAT5 and higher Ethernet cables to deliver up to 50 watts to end devices.
"The higher power allowed in this IEEE802.3at draft reflects a new level of maturity in Power over Ethernet technology," said Steven G. Litchfield, Executive Vice President and President of Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group. "When ratified, it will permit standard-compliant solutions for the many new high power end devices coming into the market today."
Microsemi already offers the broadest line of Power over Ethernet integrated circuits and PowerDsine(r) midspan systems fully compliant with the IEEE802.3at-draft 3.0.
Microsemi's PD64012GH 12-port PoE Manager and PD64004AH 4-port PoE Manager are both shipping in customer platforms. A new IEEE802.3at-optimized family including the PD69012 and PD69008 are sampling today, with production units scheduled for July 2008. Both families support 2-events classification, as does Microsemi's 1-port PD64001 PSE manager.
Microsemi's PowerDsine midspan product portfolio includes two pre-IEEE802.3at-compliant midspan families -- the 7000G and 8000 Series -- which are capable of driving more than 30 watts to end devices.
"I am certain it is gratifying for the IEEE committee to anticipate ratification of their work, which began back in late 2004," Litchfield said. "Now the industry will feel free to develop a broader gamut of high power products that are fully compatible with the IEEE802.3at-draft3.0 standard."
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, reliability and battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implantable 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 web site at http://www.microsemi.com.
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Investor Inquiries: Robert C. Adams, Microsemi Corporation, Irvine, CA (949) 221-7100.