Avago Technologies Introduces Industry's First High-Speed Optocoupler Optimized for Use in Automotive Applications; Features Assure Reliability and Performance in Motor Drives, Battery Charging Systems, and Signal Isolation

SAN JOSE, Calif.--May 23, 2006--Avago Technologies, the world's largest privately held semiconductor company, today introduced the industry's first high-speed optocoupler designed specifically to meet the performance and reliability requirements of the automotive market, especially for hybrid electric vehicles. These vehicles combine an electric motor and battery systems with traditional auto engines. The next-generation vehicles are expected to have even higher-powered batteries, high efficiency battery charging and high performance electric motor systems. Such highly driven systems will require isolation in the electrical systems to prevent unwanted interference, and provide reliable operation in automotive environments.

The 1 MBd (megabaud) ACPL-M43T uses a new Avago-developed LED that provides higher light output at lower drive current -- 10 mA (typical), compared to 16 mA for other optocouplers -- high common mode rejection (CMR) performance of 30kV/microsecond and a temperature performance range from -40 to 125 degrees C. To increase reliability, an enhanced bonding process for both the integrated circuit and leads provides redundancy and reduces the potential for wire breakage caused by shock and vibration. The auto-insertable SO-5 surface-mount package (lead-free option available) uses an improved lead frame, which provides better heat dissipation than conventional lead frames.

The ACPL-M43T is ideal for driving intelligent power module (IPM) control electronics in the automotive battery DC-DC converter and electric motor inverter systems. In addition, its high-speed operation also makes it perfect for providing digital isolation in robust automotive CANBus serial communication applications.

"Our new automotive optocoupler demonstrates how we will make new inroads as a high-quality supplier in the automotive market, meeting the industry's specifications with stringent design and manufacturing processes to ensure robust and reliable products," said Kheng-Jam Lee, worldwide marketing manager for isolation products in Avago Technologies' Optical Communication Solutions Division.

Approval in accordance with the following safety standards is pending: UL 1577 and CSA File CA88324 (Notice #5). In addition, Avago has created a special reliability and automotive qualification plan to meet the AECQ100 test guidelines for integrated circuits, which was developed by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIGA).

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Avago Technologies' ACPL-M43T optocoupler is available in the SO-5 package, priced at $2.43 in 10,000-piece quantities. Samples and production quantities are available now through Avago's direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.

Optical Communication Solutions Division

Avago Optoisolation Solutions

Avago Technologies is the No. 1 supplier of photo-IC optocouplers and ships hundreds of millions of products annually. The company provides the industry's broadest portfolio of optocouplers for use in a wide array of high voltage isolation applications ranging from power supply and motor control circuits to data communications and digital logic interface circuits. Avago is the technology leader in high speed, low voltage and high integration optocouplers, and offers the widest range of packages and worldwide safety approvals. Key products include multi-channel and bi-directional digital optocouplers, intelligent power module gate driver interface devices, 3.3 V and 5 V digital optocouplers, 100 Kbaud to 50 MBd digital logic gate optocouplers, 100 MBd magnetic isolators, gate drive and current sense optocouplers, and analog and high-performance, high reliability hermetic optocouplers. More information is available at www.avagotech.com/optocouplers.

About Avago Technologies

Avago Technologies is the world's largest privately held semiconductor company, with 6,500 employees and net revenue of $1.8 billion in fiscal 2005. Avago provides an extensive range of analog, mixed-signal and optoelectronic components and subsystems to more than 40,000 customers worldwide. The company serves three primary product categories comprising optoelectronics, RF/microwave components and enterprise ASICs, and is recognized for providing innovative, high-quality products along with strong customer service and the industry's best on-time delivery. Avago's heritage of technical innovation dates back 40 years to its Agilent/Hewlett-Packard roots. Information about Avago is available on the Web at www.avagotech.com.

Avago, Avago Technologies, and the A logo are trademarks of Avago Technologies Limited in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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