Bel Power Selects Microchip's Op Amp & MCU for Power Supply

Bel Power Selects Microchip Technology’s

MCP6291 Op Amp and 8-bit PIC^® Microcontroller

for DC-to-DC Power Supply

CHANDLER, Ariz., August 11, 2008 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced that Bel Power Inc. has selected its MCP6291 low-power, high-bandwidth operational amplifier (op amp) and PIC12F675 microcontroller (MCU) for its next-generation Power over Ethernet (PoE) half-brick DC-to-DC converter. The op amp is part of the current-sensing circuit in the converter; while the 8-bit PIC^® MCU provides system monitoring, fault detection and correction, and automated functions. Bel Power selected Microchip because of its broad product portfolio, excellent development tools and superior technical support.

Bel Power, a division of Bel Fuse Inc., designs and manufactures a broad range of high-quality, isolated and non-isolated DC-to-DC converters. The MCP6291 op amp was chosen for its next-generation POE power supply because of its availability in many industry-standard packages, its extended temperature range and Microchip’s short lead time. The programmability of the Flash PIC12F675 MCU enables Bel Power to modify the system behavior to meet specific customers’ needs. The advantage of a programmable MCU is that changes can be executed in firmware, without the need for in-circuit component value changes and PCB spins.

Mark Masera, engineering director with Bel Power, said, “Because of the breadth of Microchip’s analog and digital components—from basic op amps, to temperature sensors, to sophisticated MCUs—and their superior levels of technical support, we are compelled to use their products. Additionally, as power density continues to climb, we are forced to consolidate the housekeeping functionality required by a converter into one device that can manage these features. Microchip’s PIC MCU, op amp and related support allow us to do all of this in a timely, flexible and cost-effective manner.”

Mark Jutras, general manager of Bel Power, continued, “Bel Power requires global logistical support for multiple design and manufacturing locations. Microchip consistently delivers technical and sales support to our facilities in the U.S., as well as in China.”

“Microchip’s low-power, high-bandwidth op amps, with availability in small packages and extended temperature range operation capabilities, have developed a reputation for standing above the competition for a wide range of customer applications,” said Rich Simoncic, vice president of Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. “Positive feedback from a leading company like Bel Power validates Microchip’s focus on solving both analog and digital design challenges.”

“The small footprint, integrated analog capability and low cost of the PIC12F675 MCU enables Bel Power to replace many discrete components in their design, which reduces the board footprint, increases design flexibility and reduces overall system costs,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division.

For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Online Power Design Center at www.microchip.com/power.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

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