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
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