Microsemi Introduces Mega-Contrast Dimming Technology for Enhanced Black Levels and Dynamic Contrast in LCD TVs

Microsemi Launches Advanced PureBLACK Capability in First Backlight Controller in New Family for 26-Inch-and-Larger TVs

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, announced today the first in a new family of cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlight inverter controller products that feature advanced mega-contrast dimming technology that significantly improves display quality and performance for 26- to 37-inch LCD TVs.

Microsemi's new LX6523A(TM) CCFL inverter controller is the first to embed its patented PureBLACK(TM) mega-contrast dimming technology, developed by Dr. Xiaoping Jin, inventor of Microsemi's widely adopted Jin Balancer that dynamically adjusts lamp voltages to match multi-lamp currents to tight tolerances. PureBLACK technology delivers superior black levels and dynamic contrast performance by building upon the Jin Balancer's ability to ensure lamp striking with very small duty cycles.

Microsemi plans to include its advanced mega-dimming capability in future controllers for 40-inch-and-larger displays that use the latest High Voltage LCD Integrated Power Supply (HV-LIPS) topology.

"We've taken another important step in CCFL backlight innovation with PureBLACK technology," said Tom Kapucija, director of marketing at Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group. "It will enable high-end image quality across all display sizes and price points, demonstrating Microsemi's continuing commitment to extending performance/price capabilities while improving the consumer's visual experience," he said.

Microsemi's expanding family of backlighting, sensor and color-management system solutions drive both conventional and emerging high-efficiency LED backlight solutions in a wide variety of TV, notebook computer, automotive and other display platforms and applications.

The LX6523A controller features soft-start capability, fault indication, and flexible configuration support for push-pull, full-bridge or half-bridge drive topologies for ultra-low-cost displays solutions. It provides all key functions needed for LCD TV / monitor displays in a simplified controller that also provides reliable lamp striking, comprehensive brightness control modes, and support for 24V inverter topologies in existing backlight applications. The LX6523A controller also features tighter lamp current accuracy as compared to competitive solutions.

 Key LX6523A Features:

 * Superior black level and dynamic contrast performance with
   built-in protection
   -- Integrated PureBLACK(TM) mega contrast dimming technology
   -- Supports over-voltage (OVP) as well as open-lamp (OLP)
      protection
 * Flexible and easy to use
   -- Supports push-pull, half-bridge or full-bridge inverter
      configurations
   -- PWM or analog-based burst dimming
   -- Wide 6V to 27V supply operation
   -- Features a 600mA source/sink drive and on-chip regulator with
      UVLO protection
 * Configurable and robust operation
   -- Reliable operation supported by programmable strike time,
      strike frequency
   -- User-settable burst dimming frequency and fault time
   -- Multiple fault detection capabilities including open lamp,
      over voltage, short circuit and over current protection
   -- -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C operating temperatures

Pricing and Availability

The LX6523A controller is in production release and priced at less than $0.40 in OEM quantities. It is housed in a 14-lead, narrow-body small outline plastic package (SOIC) and is also pin-compatible with the earlier-generation LX6523 to enable re-use of existing PCB layouts. Data sheets are available on the Microsemi website: http://www.microsemi.com. Application notes and evaluation kit information are available from local Microsemi sales representatives: http://www.microsemi.com/contact/contactfind.asp.

Attachments:

Figure 1: LX6523A typical application circuit http://www.microsemi.com/PRImages/LX6523A_Block_Diagram.pdf

Figure 2: (device image) http://www.microsemi.com/PRImages/LX6523A.jpg

About Microsemi

Microsemi Corporation, with corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors. The company's semiconductors manage and control or regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals.

Microsemi's products include individual components as well as integrated circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance and reliability, battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implanted medical, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers, monitors and LCD TVs, automotive and mobile connectivity applications. More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its website at http://www.microsemi.com.

The Microsemi Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1233

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in this news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature, including without limitation statements concerning the first in a new family of cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlight inverter controller products that feature advanced mega-contrast dimming technology that significantly improves display quality and performance for 26- to 37-inch LCD TVs, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence, potential cost increases, variations in customer order preferences, weakness or competitive pricing environment of the marketplace, uncertain demand for and acceptance of the company's products, adverse circumstances in any of our end markets, results of in-process or planned development or marketing and promotional campaigns, difficulties foreseeing future demand, potential non-realization of expected orders or non-realization of backlog, product returns, product liability, and other potential unexpected business and economic conditions or adverse changes in current or expected industry conditions, difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights, inventory obsolescence and difficulties regarding customer qualification of products. 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 or risks identified in the company's most recent Form 10-K and all subsequent Form 10-Q reports filed by Microsemi with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in Microsemi's future filings. The forward-looking statements included in this release speak only as of the date hereof, and Microsemi does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

CONTACT: Microsemi Corporation
         Financial Contact:
         John Hohener, Vice President and CFO
           (949) 221-7100
         Editorial Contact:
         Cliff Silver, Corporate Communications Manager
           (949) 221-7100