e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

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OT: iRiver Picks New Microsemi Battery Charger Circuit for Latest Hard Drive MP3 Players

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2004--Microsemi Corp. (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high-performance analog/mixed-signal integrated circuits, announced today that its new LX2201(TM) linear battery charger circuit has been chosen by iRiver Corp. for their latest MP3 hard drive player designs.


The new H-300 Series iRiver players have the ability to record, encode and store MP3s in real time directly from their FM tuners, a microphone or optical input, allowing users to record MP3s on the fly from an array of sources without connection to a PC.

The iRiver design takes advantage of the LX2201's advanced circuitry to provide faster charging of its Lithium-Ion cells, without sacrificing system performance. The Microsemi charger circuit monitors input current supplied by the MP3 player/recorder to allocate unused power for charging. It also includes a USB limit control function that allows ultra-fast USB 2.0 transfers.

The LX2201 fit iRiver's requirements for advanced features in a cost-effective charger suited to their USB data transfer designs. Its small package and simple design-in were a plus, with only three external resistors needed to complete the charging function.

"iRiver's new MP3 hard drive player typifies the quality consumer products we had in mind when developing the LX2201," said Paul Bibeau, vice president and general manager of Microsemi's Integrated Products Group. "It can take full advantage of our advanced, high-performance features," he said.

The LX2201's design includes an internal pass element that can function as a reverse direction load switch, full-capacity charging with always-cool running, a conditioning mode for deep discharge, topping charge for long periods of non-use and a highly tolerant 5 volt plus 10 percent wall supply regulation.

Complete technical information is available on the Microsemi Web site, www.Microsemi.com. Samples and evaluation kits can be requested through this site, from Microsemi sales representatives or through Microsemi's distribution channel.

About Microsemi

Microsemi is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits and high-reliability discrete semiconductors. The company's semiconductors manage and control or regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals.

Microsemi's products include individual components as well as integrated circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance and reliability, battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implanted medical, military/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers and monitors, automotive and mobile connectivity applications.

More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its Web site at http://www.microsemi.com.