Release Details

Targeted at wireless access points (WAP), voice over IP (VoIP) phones, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag readers, point-of-sale terminals, security systems and cameras, the Si3400 eliminates up to 25 external components compared to competing solutions. This reduces the PCB footprint by 30 to 50 percent and the total BOM by as much as $1.50. Fewer external components improve overall product reliability and simplify the supply chain for customers. The Si3400 enables PoE system designers to focus on system-level product differentiation and customization rather than spending valuable time and resources on external components and challenging design issues, such as analog layout or meeting radiated emissions specifications.

"The Si3400 represents the first product in our Power over Ethernet family," said Dave Bresemann, vice president of Silicon Laboratories. "Our extensive high-voltage design experience has enabled us to solve several board-level analog design challenges, which will help lower costs and accelerate the adoption of Power over Ethernet technology in a wide array of end products."

Silicon Laboratories achieves unparalleled integration with the Si3400 by leveraging high-voltage and mixed-signal design expertise to deliver a unique, feature-rich and versatile architecture that is fully compliant with IEEE 802.3af, while adding features beyond the standard's base requirements. For example, with direct access to the line side voltages from the Ethernet cable, the integrated diode bridges enable a proprietary early power loss indicator, which provides adequate time to save operating and status information before safely shutting down the powered device. The diode bridges also allow a direct connection to the RJ-45 connector, which minimizes the PCB trace lengths between the connector and the Si3400. This helps limit radiated emissions, speeding certification required by PoE products. In addition, the integrated transient suppressor activates protection circuitry when high voltages are detected, improving overall device robustness and reliability.

The Si3400 controller includes a complete PD interface with programmable classification and detection signature circuitry, a switching regulator controller, dual current-limited hot swap switch, comprehensive protection circuitry including thermal shutdown capability and support for both non-isolated and isolated applications. The Si3400 has been designed to operate seamlessly with both 802.3af compliant Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and pre-standard (legacy) PSEs that do not comply with the standard's inrush current limits.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the Si3400 begins at $2.48 in quantities of 10K. Packaged in a lead-free (RoHS compliant), 5 x 5 mm, 20-pin QFN, samples are available now, and production is scheduled for Q3 2006. An engineering evaluation board (Si3400-EVB) is also available now and will be followed by a complete Ethernet system evaluation kit in August.

Silicon Laboratories Inc.

Silicon Laboratories Inc. is a leading designer of high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs) for a broad range of applications. Silicon Laboratories' diverse portfolio of highly integrated, patented solutions is developed by a world-class engineering team with decades of cumulative expertise in cutting-edge mixed-signal design. The company has design, engineering, marketing, sales and applications offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. For more information about Silicon Laboratories please visit www.silabs.com.

Cautionary Language

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on Silicon Laboratories' current expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of factors that could impact Silicon Laboratories' financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, please refer to Silicon Laboratories' filings with the SEC. Silicon Laboratories disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Note to editors: Silicon Laboratories and the Silicon Laboratories logo are trademarks of Silicon Laboratories Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Silicon Laboratories Inc., Austin
Kirstan Ryan, 512-532-5349
kirstan.ryan@silabs.com

SOURCE: Silicon Laboratories Inc.