IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC) announced today that its patented visible light sensor technology is an enabling part of the state of the art display brightness system introduced by Hewlett Packard in its newest 4200, 6200 and 8200 series of HP Compaq notebook computers introduced February 2 as part of HP's new worldwide mobility initiative for 2005.
The new HP Compaq notebooks automatically adjust the brightness of their LCD displays to the most comfortable viewing level for the ambient light in which they are being used. HP's innovative display system also allows users to adjust their automatic brightness control to accommodate personal preferences based upon screen content, and even the user's age. The ability of the human eye to receive light changes dramatically during the aging process.
In addition to its ergonomic advantages, HP's new brightness control system provides substantial power management capabilities to extend battery operation, particularly in environments such as an aircraft cabin where the most comfortable viewing can be at a power-saving dim level.
The new HP Compaq notebook displays offering Microsemi's ambient light detection devices range in size from 12.1 to 15.4 inches. HP also has begun implementing Microsemi visible light sensors in select models of their IPAQ PDA products.
Microsemi's advanced family of visible light sensors respond to light essentially the same as the human eye and are particularly insensitive to ultraviolet and infra red sources that could cause erroneous adjustments to an LCD display. In addition-- unlike most conventional sensors-- the new Microsemi sensor technology requires no Cadmium Sulfide, a material now being banned around the globe as environmentally unacceptable.
"HP's use of our visible light sensors in their new line of notebook computers and PDAs sets a display performance standard in this highly competitive market," said Paul Bibeau, Vice President and General Manager of Microsemi's Integrated Products Group. "Consumers will benefit from longer battery life and the improved visual ergonomics created by HP in their new series of HP Compaq notebooks," he said.
Microsemi is also supplying its patented backlight controller technology into several HP Compaq notebook platforms with its LX1691(tm) controllers that feature wide range dimming, power savings and Microsemi's patented strike method for lighting cold cathode fluorescent lamps. This combo offering by Microsemi affords HP Compaq platforms an innovative power management solution that is a key feature to its customer base.
Microsemi's multiple patents in wide range dimming controller technology have been applied to a broad product portfolio that includes both CCFL controllers and complete backlight inverter modules designed for products ranging from digital cameras, notebook and desktop computers, and large screen LCD TV screens to automotive navigation and entertainment displays.
About Microsemi Corporation
Microsemi is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits and high reliability discrete 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 web site at http://www.microsemi.com.
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended Oct. 31, 2004, HP revenue totaled $79.9 billion. More information about HP is available at www.hp.com.
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Investor Inquiries: David R. Sonksen, Microsemi Corporation, Irvine, CA (949) 221-7101.
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