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Elantec Semiconductor Introduces New Laser Diode Driver For High-Speed, Low-Profile Optical Disk Drive Applications

The EL6216C offers higher current output and package options for low-cost, compact, 32X CD-R and 20X CD-R/W speed drives

MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, March 28, 2002 -- Elantec Semiconductor, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELNT), a leader in high-performance analog ICs, today introduced a new high speed laser driver IC developed specifically to enable Compact Disc -Recordable/ReWritable (CD-R/RW) drive manufacturers to meet the demand for the next generation of faster, slimmer, highly compact drives in desktop and notebook computers.

The EL6216C laser diode driver is the latest addition to Elantec's successful industry-leading family of laser diode drivers used by the major manufacturers of optical pick-up units (OPUs). It provides the higher current output required to power the 780-nanometer lasers, which achieve breakthrough write speeds.

The EL6216C integrates an automatic power control (APC) amplifier and a 500MHz high frequency modulator (HFM) oscillator along with the three current channels needed for compliance with the Orange Specification Standard for CD-R and CD-R/W write strategy formats. Integrating the HFM oscillator helps to reduce laser noise, thereby virtually eliminating disk read errors that occur as read speed increases. Integrating these features minimizes signal routing and component count, thereby lowering total system solution costs. The resulting savings in design time and board space facilitates the design of the more compact OPU needed in slim-line CD-R/W drives.

Stephen P. Sacarisen, Director of Strategic Marketing, Optical Products Group, said, "The CD-R/RW format is rapidly becoming the industry standard for transportable media for both the PC desktop and notebook segments. The announcement that the Microsoft Windows XP operating system endorses the CD-R/RW drive for 'drag-and-drop' file transfers will drive continued increases in productivity and the CD-R/RW 'X' speeds." Mr. Sacarisen added, "The higher output current of the EL6216C enables the development of greater than 32X-speed CD-R drives. This results in longer product lifecycles as manufacturers reach for higher CD-R 'X' speed drives to meet market demands."

The EL6216C is available in two package options to address cost or space-saving requirements, a lower-cost, 24-pin QSOP package and for low profile, space-restricted designs, the 24-pin LPP package. Samples are available now with production lead times of eight to ten weeks, ARO. To receive further information, please contact Stephen P. Sacarisen at Elantec Corporate Headquarters in Milpitas, California, at (408) 945-1323 x 345.

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 and cost effectiveness 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 most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Elantec is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.