Elantec Semiconductor Introduces a New Laser Driver for the Optical Disk Market; The EL6275C Offers Four-Channel Laser Power Control in a QSOP16 Package.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 21, 1999

Elantec Semiconductor, Inc. (NASD: ELNT), a leader in high-performance analog ICs, has introduced a small form factor laser driver designed for the CD-R and CD-R/W optical disk drive market. The new EL6275C offers industry-standard functions and compatibility ideal for the CD-R and the CD-R/W laser drive designs. The new device joins Elantec's family of laser driver ICs, which are targeted to the high-growth optical disk storage markets.

The EL6275C integrates the four current channels needed for the read, erase, bias and write laser drive power levels. It also integrates the high frequency modulator (HFM) oscillator and output current driver. This innovative integration reduces board space, component count, and design time and allows flexibility to optimize the design. The device complies with the Orange Specification Standard for CD-R and CD-R/W write-speed formats.

Steve Sacarisen, Elantec's Product Line Manager, Optical Products Group said, "The EL6275C offers four channels of laser power control in the small form factor QSOP16 package. This product is targeted for the emerging market trend for slim, half-height, CD-R/W drives needed in portable applications. The EL6275 is the ideal solution for OEM's who need flexibility in laser power control and require a small-height profile solution for an optical pick-up head (OPU) design. As part of our Optical Products family, the EL6275C complements the EL627xC and EL625xC products and continues Elantec's efforts to meet prevailing small form factor drive market trends."

Pricing for the EL6275C is $2.50 in 1,000-unit quantities. The EL6275C is available in the 16 pin QSOP package and is in production.

For more information please contact Steve Sacarisen at Elantec's Corporate Headquarters in Milpitas, CA, at [phone], extension 345.

Elantec designs, manufactures and markets high performance analog integrated circuits primarily for the video, optical storage, integrated DC:DC, and xDSL markets. The Company targets high growth commercial markets in which advances in digital integrated circuit technology are driving increasing demand for high speed, high performance and low power consumption analog circuits.

Certain matters discussed in this press release pertaining to the market conditions and market trends are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include product introductions by the Company's competitors, competitive pricing pressures, fluctuations in manufacturing yield, changes in the mix or markets in which products are sold, availability and cost of raw materials and other risks discussed in the Company's 1999 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein.