-- Patented circuits drive multiple lamps in large screen
applications
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Microsemi Corp. (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits, announced today that its advanced backlight power management controllers are shipping in multiple LG Electronics large screen LCD TV platforms. The Microsemi controller-based inverter was utilized by LG Electronics to provide an optimized backlighting system for their LCD TV platforms.
Patented Microsemi technology is used to drive multiple fluorescent lamps that backlight the liquid crystal displays featured in these popular large screen television models. The LCD TV market is forecasted by iSuppli to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44% from 2004 to 2008.
Microsemi has been a leader in backlighting controller technology for cold cathode fluorescent lamps since the early 1990s. This leadership position has allowed it to take a significant market share of LCD TV applications having displays larger than 21 inches. The company believes it has a greater than 25% market share in these models that DisplaySearch just announced grew from 35% share of the LCD TV market in Q2'04 to 42% in Q3'04.
Microsemi offers several superior solutions into this market, but two of the most popular offerings are the LX1691(tm) and the LX1688(tm) often combined with its patented visible light sensors that automatically control lamp brightness. The LX1691 controller integrated circuit is often teamed with an advanced power balancing system that provides even light across the multiple long cathode fluorescent lamps used in LCD TV products. Cost savings result from a reduction in transformers needed in these multiple lamp applications.
The LX1691's and LX1688's highly integrated designs include features that reduce external component count and module size for multiple lamp LCD panels. Microsemi's patented direct drive architecture allows the controllers to be used in diverse applications since they can operate with system voltages ranging from 3 volts to more than 120 volts.
"This is just another example of our continued success in this space, but we believe that this is very early in the life of the LCD TV applications. This market represents a growing opportunity for Microsemi's innovative technology in CCFL lighting," said Paul Bibeau, Vice President and General Manager of Microsemi's Integrated Products Group. "Our patented solutions offer both performance and economic advantages for LCD TV manufacturers," he said.
About Microsemi
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, battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implanted medical, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers and monitors, 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: David R. Sonksen, Microsemi Corporation, Irvine, CA (949) 221-7101.