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Intersil Introduces World’s Smallest Audio Amplifiers Featuring Lowest Power Consumption, Highest RF Immunity

ISL99201 and ISL99202 Feature Audiophile Quality Performance, Superb Power Efficiency, Click-and-Pop Suppression, Complete Undervoltage and Short Circuit Protection

MILPITAS, CA, August 31, 2009 – Intersil Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: ISIL), a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, introduced two new audio amplifiers featuring the industry’s lowest power consumption, smallest size, and highest RF immunity.

The ISL99201 and ISL99202 are the first audio products in a new family of ultra-small-footprint packages that will enable smaller, thinner and lighter consumer devices that run longer on a battery charge. These audio amplifiers are particularly well suited for use in SmartPhones, PDAs, game consoles, MP3 and personal media players, personal navigation devices and LCD TVs.

The ISL99201, available in 9-bump 0.4mm pitch WCSP, is the world’s smallest Class D amplifier. It is a filterless, fully integrated, high-efficiency mono amplifier capable of delivering up to 2.5W into a 4 ohm load. It features a low-noise modulation scheme, operating with 86 percent efficiency at 400mW into 8 ohms, and has a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that is better than 95dB. The ISL99201 also includes a micropower shutdown mode with a typical shutdown current of 200nA. The fully-differential input of the ISL99201 provides 75dB rejection to common mode noise on the input.  The ISL99201 is available in three fixed-gain settings that reduce Bill-of-Materials (BOM) costs and save board space. It is also available with programmable gain setting option for design flexibility.  In addition to the WCSP package, the ISL99201 is available in an 8-lead TDFN package.

Available in 12-bump 0.4mm pitch WCSP, Intersil’s ISL99202  is the world’s smallest stereo capfree headphone amplifier, and supports 16 ohm to 600 ohm speaker impedance. Its ultra-wide operating voltage of 2.4V to 5.5V makes the new amplifier ideal for use in mobile battery-powered applications that use 2 AA or single cell Li-Ion batteries, as well as in notebook computers using 3.3V to 5V power supplies.  It is also available in 12-lead TQFN package.

Industry’s Best RF Immunity
With the proliferation of wireless technology, audio amplifiers are routinely exposed to RF energy. For example, even though phones using the GSM protocol operate at frequencies between 800MHz and 1900MHz, the data transfers in bursts at 217Hz, which is in the audio frequency range. Many competitive amplifiers reproduce this noise in the headphones which results in the now familiar “bumble bee” buzz.  Some audio amplifiers detect the 217 Hz signal, akin to demodulation of FM transmissions, and amplify it to the headphone output. The ISL99202 has a unique input architecture which suppresses this demodulation and prevents the bursts at 217Hz from interfering with the audio output.

In addition, the bursts at 217Hz cause spikes on the power supply.  Some poorly designed amplifiers couple these power supply spikes through the amplifier outputs, resulting in an audible buzz. Amplifiers typically have a parameter called power supply rejection ratio (PSRR), which specifies the ability of the amplifier to reject noise from the power supply. The ISL99202 is designed to have the highest PSRR in its class, which also contributes to its industry-leading RF immunity.

The ISL99202 also features audiophile quality SNR and THD specifications, and Intersil’s state-of-the-art click-and-pop suppression technology. Comprehensive protection features include undervoltage and short-circuit protection, as well as thermal shutdown.

Packaging, Pricing and Availability
The ISL99201 is available now in 8-Ld TDFN packages with prices starting at $0.56 each in 1000-unit quantities.  In 9-bump WCSP, prices start at $0.47. The ISL99202 is sampling now in 12-Ld TQFN and 0.4mm pitch 12-ball WLCSP, with 1,000-unit pricing of $0.72 and $0.65, respectively.

For more information, please visit http://www.intersil.com/products/deviceinfo.asp?pn=ISL99201

To view a high-resolution downloadable photo of these new products, visit Intersil’s photo room at: http://www.intersil.com/pressroom/photoarchives.asp.

About Intersil
Intersil Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors. The Company's products address some of the industry's fastest growing markets, such as, flat panel displays, cell phones, other handheld systems, and notebooks.  Intersil’s product families address power management functions and analog signal processing functions.  Intersil products include ICs for battery management, hot-plug controllers, linear regulators, power sequencers, supervisory ICs, bridge drivers, PWM controllers, switching DC/DC regulators, Zilker Labs Digital Power ICs and power MOSFET drivers; optical storage laser diode drivers; DSL line drivers; D2Audio products; video and high-performance operational amplifiers; high-speed data converters; interface ICs; analog switches and multiplexers; crosspoint switches; voice-over-IP devices; and ICs for military, space and radiation-hardened applications. For more information about Intersil or to find out how to become a member of our winning team, visit the Company's web site and career page at www.intersil.com.