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Elantec Semiconductor Introduces New High-Speed Laser Driver In Ultra-Thin Package

The EL6242C enables faster slim-line CD-R/W drive designs

MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, December 19, 2000 -- Elantec Semiconductor, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELNT), an industry leader in high-performance laser driver ICs, today unveiled its newest high-speed laser driver IC, the EL6242C. As it is an integral part of the optical pickup unit (OPU), the critical design sub-component used in CD-R/W drives, our new EL6242C's compact size and superior performance enable OEMs to develop cutting-edge CD-R/W optical disk drive products with greatly increased read/write (R/W) speeds.

The EL6242C features three current channels needed for the read, erase, and write laser drive power levels, and also integrates an automatic power control amplifier for coupling using an external power monitor diode. The three laser power levels are compliant with the industry-standard Orange Specification for CD-R and CD-R/W write strategy disc formats. In addition, the EL6242C offers external timing control of the integrated high frequency modulation oscillator, which is used to reduce laser read-noise and consequently the read-error rate. This integration reduces component count thereby lowering solution costs, reduces signal routing which shortens design time, and saves space which enables more compact OPU designs.

Steve Sacarisen, Director of Strategic Marketing, Optical Products Group said, "The EL6242C laser driver joins our growing family of next generation laser drivers that offers OEMs the highest performance and most cost-effective solution for the higher R/W speeds demanded by the PC and consumer CD-R/W drive markets. Furthermore, the ultra-thin LPP package option makes the EL6242C an ideal choice for slim-line design drives in applications such as PC notebooks, where size is a critical design factor."

The new ultra-thin 24-LPP package as well as the 24-pin QSOP package are sampling now. Production lead times for both package options is 8-10 weeks. For more information please contact Steve Sacarisen at Elantec Corporate Headquarters, Milpitas, CA, at (408) 945-1323 x 345 or visit our web site at www.elantec.com.

Elantec designs, manufactures and markets high performance analog integrated circuits primarily for the video, optical storage, communications and power management 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 trends, product performance, cost effectiveness, and design-in time 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 2000 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.