Semtech First to Offer Six-Line Protection Device; 5V uClamp0506P a Natural Fit for Mobile Phone Keypads and Other Portable Devices; Ultra-Small Leadless Design Measures Only 1.6 mm Squared.

CAMARILLO, Calif. -- Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq:SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the uClamp(TM)0506P, the industry's first ultra-small six-line 5V protection device for portable systems.

The uClamp0506P is the latest addition to Semtech's MicroClamp(TM) product family, which now has the industry's widest selection of line capacities -- from one to six lines. The device works in any portable device, but is a natural fit for 12-button mobile phone keypads, reducing the number of protection parts needed from three to two, thus freeing up board space and cutting costs.

The uClamp0506P is packaged in Semtech's leadless SLP 6L package for an ultra-small form factor: 1.6 x 1.6 mm, with a 0.6 mm profile that makes it attractive for the current wave of ultra-slim portable devices. The uClamp0506P features a very low clamping voltage that aids designers in meeting IEC standards for protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electrical fast transient (EFT) events. The device can be configured to protect up to six unidirectional lines by connecting the center pad to the ground pad, or five bidirectional lines when any of the I/O pins is connected to ground. In contrast, leaded devices protect one less line as one pin must be used for the ground connection.

"MicroClamp products leverage Semtech's process technology for their small size, which is important for ever sleeker next-generation portables, but also important is the uClamp0506P's low clamping voltage that provides superior protection for the phone's sensitive controllers and ASICs," said Tom Dugan, Semtech's Director of Protection Products. "Integrating six lines into a tiny, low-profile package makes high-quality protection more cost effective for all portable devices."

All MicroClamp devices feature a unique combination of low clamping voltage levels and small package size, which allows them to protect even the most sensitive CMOS circuits while minimizing the board space consumed. MicroClamp devices are placed in between the protected circuit and the sources of potential ESD, including such interfaces as keyboards, LED drivers, battery chargers, power or headphone connectors. During an ESD event, the TVS becomes a low-impedance path protecting the circuit by diverting harmful current to ground.

Key Features of the uClamp0506P

--5V operating voltage

--Low clamping voltage: Reduces stress on protected IC during an ESD event for higher reliability

--Small leadless package measures 1.6 x 1.6 mm

--Low profile of only 0.6 mm

--Low leakage current: Conserves battery life

--Exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD requirements (+/- 8kV contact, +/- 15kV air) and 61000-4-4 EFT requirements of 40A (5/50ns)

--Lead-free package is compliant with worldwide environmental and regulatory requirements, including RoHS/WEEE

Pricing and Availability

The uClamp0506P is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $0.22 each in 10,000-piece lots. Ordering code is uClamp0506P.TCT. 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 [e-mail].

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, test & measurement, and wireless connectivity 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 [phone]; email to [e-mail]; or visit its web site at www.semtech.com.

Semtech, the Semtech logo, MicroClamp and uClamp are marks of Semtech Corporation.