Microsemi Launches New Line of Silicon Carbide Discrete Semiconductors

New 480 Volt SiC Schottky Diode a First in the Industry
Alliance With Sterling Semiconductor Provides New Product Line

Santa Ana, CA. Microsemi Corp. (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of silicon mixed signal and discrete products, today announced that it has released a new Silicon Carbide Schottky diode available in the company s patented low profile Powermite package.

The UPSC148 is a 1 Amp, 480 Volt Silicon Carbide Schottky packaged in Microsemi s low profile, 1mm high Powermite package. Typically Schottky devices are offered up to 100 Volts. The properties of Silicon Carbide allow the company to manufacture high voltage efficient Schottky devices for high speed switching and power supply applications in telecommunications and implantable medical equipment.

The product was developed following an announcement made in September of 1999 that the company would expand its discrete product offerings to include Silicon Carbide discrete semiconductors through an alliance with Sterling Semiconductor.

Microsemi has developed a product roadmap for Silicon Carbide discrete semiconductors that explores the benefits in high frequency, high temperature, radiation resistant and high-density applications.

"We are quite pleased with our short product development cycle on our first Silicon Carbide discrete semiconductor," commented Manuel Lynch, Microsemi World Wide Marketing and Information Systems Director. "We feel that we will be able to introduce several innovative discrete products based on Silicon Carbide. "Our broad product experience coupled with Sterling s expertise in Silicon Carbide is a combination of talents that will produce several discrete solutions that will include Schottkys, PIN Diodes and High Speed Switching Transistors and MOSFETs."

Silicon carbide is traditionally used in short wavelength opto electronics such as blue LEDs. In addition to Sterling Semiconductor CREE Research (Nasdaq:CREE) is a major manufacturer of silicon carbide substrates for semiconductors. Its Web site indicates that university and government-sponsored research conducted in recent years confirms the physical and electrical properties of silicon carbide to be superior to silicon and gallium arsenide for certain short wavelength opto electronic, high temperature, radiation resistant and high-power/high-frequency applications. For additional information on these products including product pricing, samples, and availability, contact Manuel Lynch at 714/424-1704.

Note to editors: Forward reader inquiries to Microsemi Marketing Communications, 11861 Western Ave., Garden Grove, Calif. 92841-2119.

Investor inquiries: David R. Sonksen, Microsemi Corp., Santa Ana, Calif. - 714/979-8220; or Sean Collins or William F. Coffin, Coffin Communications, Sherman Oaks, Calif. - 818/789-0100. "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in the news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature are forward-looking statements. For instance, all statements of belief and expectations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the difficulties regarding the making of estimates and projections, hiring and retention of qualified technical personnel in a competitive labor market, rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence, the ability to realize cost savings or productivity gains, potential cost increases, the strength and competitive pricing environment of the marketplace, demand for and acceptance of the company s products, the results of planned development, marketing and promotional campaigns, changes in demand for products, difficulties of foreseeing future demand, potential non-realization of backlog, business and economic conditions such as the current industry conditions, customer order preferences, and fluctuations in market prices of the company s stock, difficulties in implementing company strategies, environmental matters, litigation, difficulties protecting proprietary rights, and inventory obsolescence. In addition to these factors and any other factors mentioned elsewhere in this news release, you should refer as well to the factors, uncertainties and risks identified in the company s most recent Form 10-K and subsequent Forms 10-Q filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Microsemi Corp., Santa Ana
David R. Sonksen, 714/979-8220
or
Coffin Communications, Sherman Oaks, Calif.
Sean Collins/William F. Coffin, 818/789-0100