Clare's New CPC1017N Delivers OptoMOS SOLID State Relay Performance At Reed Relay Cost.

Business/High Tech Editors

BEVERLY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2001

CPC1017N provides the security industry with low-cost,

high-performance alternative to electromechanical relays

Clare, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPCL) today introduced the CPC1017N, a miniature 1-Form-A, single-pole, solid state OptoMOS(R) relay designed to cost effectively replace electromechanical reed relays in security systems including those that must comply with CENELEC's EN50130-4 immunity requirements.

Clare is a global leader in the design and manufacture of solid state relays and high-voltage analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits for the communications market.

The CPC1017N uses two output MOSFETs which allow switching of AC and DC loads. The GaAIAs (Gallium Aluminum Arsenide) infrared optocoupling provides the input to output isolation to help security system designers meet the compliance requirements for the components of fire, intruder, access control, and CCTV. In addition, this low cost relay offers performance advantages over electromechanical relays in a broad range of applications including instrumentation, medical, aerospace and industrial equipment.

According to the Frost and Sullivan report "World PCB-Mounted Relay Market" over ten percent of the worldwide volume of reed relays is consumed by the security industry for use in passive infrared detectors, glass break sensors and other perimeter security sensors.

"While Clare has been the leader in replacing electromechanical and reed relays with solid state OptoMOS relays in the communications market, the CPC1017N provides security system designers the same advantages communications equipment designers have enjoyed for years: longer life, no noise, electromagnetic immunity and higher isolation," said Eric Koeken, Marketing Manager, Clare Europe. "This new high sensitivity relay not only carries a price comparable to less reliable reed relays, it consumes less power allowing designers to extend battery life or lower overall system power consumption and ultimately cost."

About Clare's CPC1017N OptoMOS Relay

The CPC1017N employs Clare's patented OptoMOS architecture silently providing up to 1500 VRMS of input-to-output isolation and 2100 VAC isolation. The relay delivers the isolation necessary to meet the new EEC standards that became effective January 1, 2001, for mains-supply variation, electrostatic discharge, radiated electromagnetic fields, and other energy transients to provide arc free switching without the use of snubbing circuits. The tiny 4-pin SOP package provides up to a 75% space saving over reed relay solutions. The new relay features an ultra low 1 mA turn-on current, a robust 60 V load voltage and a 100mA load current. Other benefits of the CPC1017N are silent switching, long lifetime, low power consumption and magnetic interference immunity. The CPC1017N also complies with UL/C-UL and EN60950 specifications. The CPC1017N is surface mountable and wave-solderable. Additional technical data is available at www.clare.com.

Pricing and Availability

Clare's new CPC1017N OptoMOS relay is available now in production volumes. Volume pricing starts at $0.33 USD each in quantities of 50,000 and are deliverable in 100/tube or 2000/reel.

About Clare, Inc.

Clare's expertise in analog/mixed-signal and high-voltage design enables the development of highly-integrated semiconductor solutions that both replace magnetics and enhance performance in wireline interface applications. Clare, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets optically isolated solid-state relays (OptoMOS(R)), as well as mixed-signal custom ASICs and ASSP integrated circuits for the telecommunications market. Clare's products ensure reliable connectivity throughout the global public telecommunications network. Clare is traded on the NASDAQ exchange (CPCL). For more information, visit www.clare.com.

OptoMOS(R) is a registered trademark of Clare, Inc.