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Semtech Unveils MicroClamp™ Family of Ultra-Small ESD Protection Devices for Portable Electronics

Small size and superior performance of new µClamp™0501H promote increased functionality and reliability in handheld designs

Camarillo, California - March 09, 2004

Semtech Corp. (NASDAQ: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced its new MicroClamp™ family of ultra-small transient voltage suppressors (TVS) designed expressly for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on cell phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, and other portable electronic designs.

The first product in the family is the µClamp™0501H, a TVS diode in a two-lead SOD-523 package measuring 0.9 x 1.7 x 0.6 millimeters. The µClamp0501H offers ESD protection in excess of ± 8kV contact, ± 15kV air per IEC 61000-4-2 level 4 requirements, an industry ESD standard that must be met by mobile phone manufacturers.

“Today’s portable devices are growing in functionality as manufacturers add large color screens, Internet access capabilities and other features, which puts board space in an already small design at an even higher premium,” said Tom Dugan, Semtech's Director of Protection Products. “The µClamp0501H gives manufacturers a new way to protect their devices and save board space thanks to Semtech’s process technology expertise which has allowed us to provide superior protection characteristics while shrinking the package size dramatically.”

Designers don’t always have the option to use multi-line arrays on a densely packed circuit board. Because the µClamp0501H is designed primarily for use in portable devices, its small size and single-line topology grant designers more flexibility to add effective ESD protection around the board as required, especially in areas where human contact – the most common generator of ESD – is likely, such as keypads, battery contacts or data and I/O lines.

Superior Protection

In a portable design, the µClamp0501H is placed in parallel with the protected circuit and becomes a low impedance path during an ESD event. Harmful current is safely shunted to ground while voltage across the protected circuit is minimized. The µClamp0501H features low clamping voltage, which puts less stress on the protected IC during an ESD event, and is appropriate for the most sensitive circuits such as baseband controllers in cellular phones. And unlike competing technologies used in the same application, the µClamp0501H does not degrade after multiple ESD strikes.

Summary of Key Features of the µClamp0501H

• Small size: Easy to use when PCB space is limited
• Low operating voltage: For use on 5 volt lines
• Low clamping voltage: Reduces stress on protected IC during an ESD event for higher reliability
• Single line design flexibility: Can be placed around the circuit board as needed
• Low leakage current: Conserves battery life in portables
• Exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD requirements (± 8kV contact, ±15kV air): Exceeds accepted industry standard requirements for higher reliability

Pricing and Availability

Samples of the µClamp0501H are available immediately. Volume production is scheduled for ramping in May with devices priced at $0.24 each in 1,000-piece lots. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support. Data sheets, volume pricing, and delivery quotes, as well as evaluation kits and samples, are available by contacting salesinfo@semtech.com.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutions and breakthrough technology in power management, protection, advanced communications, human interface, and test & measurement products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its web site at www.semtech.com.

Press Contact

Terry Sears, Marketing Communications Manager, Telephone: 805.498.2111