SAN JOSE, Calif., April 5-PRNewswire-AsiaNet/InfoQuest New Design Extends Signaling Distance While Reducing Power Consumption Micrel Inc. (Nasdaq: MCRL) an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today announced the KS8001 family of Fast Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 100BASE-FX) PHYs. This fifth generation KS8001 family is the latest addition to Micrel's successful KS8721 line of Fast Ethernet PHYs. The ICs utilize advanced mixed-signal technology to bring a distinctive combination of features, performance and low power consumption to today's Fast Ethernet applications, over both copper and fiber media. The KS8001L, a single 3.3V device, is currently sampling, with volume quantities available in the second quarter of 2005. The chip is available in standard and green (lead-free) versions and is priced at $2.61 in 1K quantity for standard packaging. The KS8001 PHYs feature LinkMD, a cable diagnostic package that enables diagnosis of common cabling problems. Rapid diagnosis of cabling conditions, including distance to fault information, results in reduced customer calls (truck rolls or product returns) and IT service requests. The ICs also offer HP Auto-MDIX, currently the most robust method available for automatic detection and correction for straight-through or crossover cables. RMII and SMII reduced pin count interfaces result in lower cost through simplified routing resulting from a reduction in the number of required PCB traces. These features are integrated with Micrel's patented high-performance architecture which runs at a core voltage of 1.8V. This allows the KS8001 to consume just 250 mW of power, which translates to increased reliability, while enabling rapid deployment in today's power-sensitive applications. "Micrel's KS8001 product line is an industry first for single-port Fast Ethernet PHYs," said Grahame Cooney, Director, Micrel Ethernet group. "The LinkMD(TM) feature detects common cabling plant problems, such as open and short circuits, thus reducing expensive downtime and equipment returns in both enterprise and consumer electronics applications." About Micrel Inc. Micrel Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of IC solutions for the worldwide analog, Ethernet and high bandwidth markets. The Company's products include advanced mixed-signal, analog and power semiconductors; high performance communication, clock management, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceiver ICs. Company customers include leading manufacturers of enterprise, consumer, industrial, mobile, telecommunications, automotive, and computer products. Corporation headquarters and state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facilities located in San Jose, CA with regional sales and support offices and advanced technology design centers situated throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Company maintains an extensive network of distributors and reps worldwide. Web: http://www.micrel.com . NOTE: LinkMD is a trademark of Micrel Inc. SOURCE: Micrel Inc. CONTACT: Julieanne DiBene, Marketing Communications, of Micrel Inc., +1-408-474-1276, or [email protected] Web site: http://www.micrel.com --Distributed by AsiaNet (www.asianetnews.net)--