Micrel Offers New Low-Side MOSFET Driver

San Jose, CA, Nov. 5, 2012 34 Micrel, Inc. (Nasdaq:MCRL), an industry leader in high-performance analog and high-speed mixed signal solutions, LAN and timing and communications solutions, today introduced the MIC4414/15, two low-side MOSFET drivers designed to switch an N-Channel enhancement-mode MOSFET in low-side applications. The devices are ideal for switch-mode power supplies, solenoid drivers and motor-driver applications. The MIC4414/15 are currently available in volume, and pricing starts at $0.43 for 1K quantity. Samples can be ordered at: http://www.samplecomponents.com/scripts/samplecenter.dll?micrel.

“Our customers need optimal efficiency at every level,” noted Brian Hedayati, marketing vice president for the analog division at Micrel.  “These new low-side MOSFET drivers deliver, starting with what may be the smallest package available — a 4-pin Thin QFN package.  To this we’ve added a sufficiently wide supply voltage range that addresses 5V, 12V and 15V power buses, high drive current capability, faster MOSFET switching speeds and lower thermal resistance — all to allow faster frequency of operation.  We’ve even provided both a non-inverting (MIC4414) and an inverting (MIC4415) version of the driver to eliminate the need for extra components,” he added.

The MIC4414/15 series features a tiny 4-pin 1.2mm x 1.2mm thin QFN package and a 4.5 to 18V operating supply voltage range.  It can sink and source peak currents up to 1.5A (3.5? output resistance at 18V and 9 Ohm output resistance at 5V) and is capable of switching a 1000pF load in 12ns. Operating at a low steady-state supply current, the devices feature 77µA control input low and 445 µA control input high.  The device operates at -40C to +125C-degrees junction temperature range.

About Micrel, Inc.

Micrel, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of IC solutions for the worldwide high-performance linear and power, LAN and timing and communications 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 are 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: www.micrel.com.