Semtech Announces New Robust Protection for ADSL Modem Lines; Dual Low-Capacitance Array Features Clamping Voltages Low Enough for High-Speed ADSL.

Business Editors

NEWBURY PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2000

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq:SMTC), a leader in analog and mixed-signal, today announced a transient-voltage suppression (TVS) IC designed specifically to protect Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Lines (ADSL) from strong lightning surges, electrostatic discharge (ESD) and other voltage-induced transients.

The new LC04-12 TVS Array, which protects two tip and ring line pairs, features a low maximum capacitance topology ideal for preserving signal integrity on high-speed lines. The unique 12-volt TVS provides extremely high protection, meeting Bellcore, ITU, and IEC standards for ADSL, HDSL, RS-232, RS-423, RS-422 and V.90 interfaces.

The LC04-12 protects against line-to-line or metallic transient events of up to 100 amps (for 8/20-microsecond pulses) to meet stringent Bellcore GR 1089 and IEC 61000-4-5 lightning protection requirements. The device, which integrates four low-capacitance TVS diodes in a single SO-16 package, offers low typical clamping voltages of 12.5 volts for 10-amp electrical pulses and 24 volts for 25-amp (10/1000 microsecond) pulses.

&uot;We have worked very closely with the major ADSL providers to develop the extremely high surge protection necessary to meet Bellcore specifications,&uot; said Tom Dugan, Semtech's Marketing Director of Protection Products. &uot;The LC04-12 delivers the high surge capability, while providing the low clamping voltage and low capacitance recently unavailable on-chip for high-speed interfaces.&uot;

Dugan said that in addition to ADSL and HDSL applications, the LC04-12 is also designed to protect LAN/WAN equipment and telecommunications customer premise equipment.

Semtech uses its proprietary TVS technology to provide optimized electrical characteristics for board-level protection against ESD, lightning surges and other destructive voltage transients. Highly integrated TVS devices such as the LC04-12 allow designers to eliminate external components to save board space, simplify design and improve performance.

Semtech's TVS devices also feature silicon avalanche technology that provides extremely fast response times and insures the IC will not wear out despite repeated ESD or lightning surges.

Key Features of the LC04-12 Low-Capacitance TVS Array

-- Typical capacitance of only 30 pF (per line) for protection of high-speed
telecommunications lines

-- Operates at 6-volts

-- Handles up to 100-amp peak pulse current for 2/10 microseconds duration
pulses to meet Bellcore GR 1089 ratings

-- Handles up to 100-amp peak pulse current for 8/20 duration pulses to meet
IEC (lightning) 1000-4-5 ratings

-- Rated at a low clamping voltage of only 12.5 volts (at a pulse current of 10
amps and duration of 10/1000 microseconds)

-- Developed using Semtech's proprietary TVS process technology

Pricing and Availability

Samples of the LC04-12 TVS Arrays are available now with volume production beginning in January. The device is priced at $2.60 in 1,000-unit quantities and is available in a JEDEC-standard SO-16 narrow-body package.

About Semtech

Semtech Corp. is a leading provider of high-quality, analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, overvoltage and transient protection, automated test equipment and communications. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol SMTC.

For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 652 Mitchell Rd., Newbury Park, Calif., 91320; phone: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail] or visit the company's Web site at www.semtech.com.

Note to Editors: Semtech and the Semtech logo are registered trademarks of Semtech Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.