Microsemi Launches InGaP HBT W-CDMA Power Amplifier Line for 3G Mobile Information Appliances

Source: Microsemi

SANTA ANA, Calif.

-- Advanced InGaP process optimized for highly linear applications -- Products being sampled to key WCDMA customers -- Flip Chip option designed to significantly reduce mobile PA size

Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC) announced today that it has launched its new line of Indium Gallium Phosphide (InGaP) Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) RF power amplifiers for use in 3rd Generation mobile information appliances and phones.

The MWS W-CDMA Series is a line of high-efficiency linear amplifiers targeting 3V mobile handheld information appliances. The devices are manufactured in an advanced InGaP/GaAs MOCVD Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) RF IC fab process. It is designed for use as a final RF amplifier in 3V W-CDMA and CDMA2000, spread spectrum systems, and other linear applications in the 1800MHz to 2000MHz band. The series will be offered in two 16-pin package versions. One is a 3mm x 3mm chip scale package (CSP) with external input/output match, and the other is an internally I/O matched module. Both parts will be available for sampling by the end of 2000.

The series feature single 3V supply, 27dBm Linear Output Power, 28dB Linear Gain, 40% Linear Efficiency, and 70mA Idle Current.

In commenting on the on-time product release, Michael Kim, Ph.D., founder of Microsemi s WaveSys group said, "We are quite pleased that we have successfully designed, developed and engineered one of the most advanced mobile phone power amplifiers available on the market today. The Microsemi team approach has allowed us to meet our aggressive goals of launching this product line on schedule." In further commenting on the advanced concept of offering a flip chip version of the amplifiers, Dr. Kim stated, "Microsemi s unique experience from working in implantable medical electronics has given us an edge over competition in the area of developing state-of-the-art high density flip chip techniques for reducing power amplifier packaged products to smaller than previously imagined. We feel that we have a leadership position in the marketplace with this unique feature that not only reduces size, but improves thermal performance and overall device efficiency."

Applications for the products include 1920-1980MHz W-CDMA Handsets, 1850-1910MHz CMDA2000 Handsets, Spread Spectrum Systems, and other Linear Wireless Applications.

"Our on-time development has positioned us to be a potential key supplier to the 3G mobile phone marketplace," commented Manuel Lynch, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. "The design window for 3G phones is upon us and we are prepared to service it with the most advanced PA RFICs."

Microsemi indicated that it will begin sampling these Power Amplifiers in limited quantities by mid-December, for customer beta testing, and is scheduling release for full production in the first quarter of next year.

Future Developments

Microsemi recently announced a plan to expand its wafer fab facilities to provide for additional gallium arsenide capacity in addition to its external foundries. Microsemi s gallium arsenide roadmap has now produced the MXP3000 Series of photodetectors for optical networking; the MWS11 Series of InGaP HBT General Purpose Gainblocks for base station and wireless LAN and the MWS WCDMA Power Amplifiers for 3G mobile phones.

Microsemi s Power Amplifier roadmap includes CDMA, GSM, and ISM Band RFICs for applications including Wireless LAN for 802.11a and 802.11b.

About Microsemi

Microsemi is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of analog, mixed-signal and discrete semiconductors. The company s semiconductors manage and regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals.

Microsemi products include individual components as well as complete circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by providing battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. Markets the company serves include mobile connectivity, computer/peripherals, telecommunications, medical, industrial/commercial, space/satellite and military.

More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its web site at http://www.microsemi.com.

"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, the ability to improve capacity utilization, 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, effects of limited visibility of future sales, potential non-realization of expected orders or non-realization of backlog, business and economic conditions or adverse changes in 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, the reader 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, and the final prospectus on Form S-3 filed on June 1, 2000 by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to supplement or correct any information in this release that is or becomes incorrect.

Editors Note: Please forward reader inquiries to Cliff Silver, Microsemi Marketing Communications, 11861 Western Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92841 (714) 898-8121.

Investor Inquiries: David R. Sonksen, Microsemi Corporation, Santa Ana, CA (714) 979-8220; or Sean Collins or William F. Coffin, Coffin Communications, Sherman Oaks, CA (818) 789-0100.