IRVINE, Calif., June 25, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC) a leading manufacturer of high performance analog mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, PowerDsine Ltd, has filed a complaint against AMI Semiconductor, Inc., and AMI Semiconductor Belgium BVBA (collectively, "AMIS") alleging that AMIS breached an undertaking not to develop and market products for the power-over-Ethernet ("PoE") market based upon confidential information provided to AMIS by PowerDsine. The complaint is pending before the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The complaint asks the Court to impose preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining AMIS from, inter alia, engaging in any manufacturing, sale or assembly arrangement with Broadcom (Nasdaq:BRCM) and any other seller or supplier of PoE products. The Complaint also seeks monetary damages from AMIS.
On May 22, 2007, AMIS announced that "it was selected by Broadcom...as a design and technology partner for two new highly-integrated power sourcing equipment (PSE) controllers (the BCM59101 and BCM59103 PSE controllers) for use in Broadcom's Power over Ethernet (PoE) products."
In the complaint PowerDsine also alleges that AMIS designs and/or manufactures PoE products, based on confidential and proprietary information that AMIS received from PowerDsine.
"PowerDsine, is a pioneer of PoE technology and was a major force that will make PoE technology a part of almost every Ethernet network," stated Steven G. Litchfield, Microsemi Executive Vice President and President of the Analog Mixed Signal Group. "PowerDsine has been conducting research and development activities with respect to PoE technology for almost ten years and we believe that it is responsible for most of the innovation in this space. PowerDsine, like Microsemi, is never happy to initiate litigation, however, we were forced into this situation in order to protect our rights," Litchfield said.
PowerDsine designs, develops and supplies integrated circuits, modules and systems that enable the implementation of Power-over-Ethernet in local area networks, providing the capability to deliver and manage electrical power over data network cables. PowerDsine offers integrated products and system solutions to communications equipment manufacturers in the telecom and datacom industries who incorporate them into, or bundle them with, their products. PowerDsine was acquired by Microsemi in January, 2007.
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: David R. Sonksen, Microsemi Corporation, Irvine, CA (949) 221-7101.