SUPERTEX BROADENS MEMS DRIVER IC OFFERING WITH INTRODUCTION OF TWO 300 VOLT AMPLIFIER ARRAYS HV257 Features 32 Independent Amplifiers with Sample-and-Hold Circuits

Supertex announced HV256 and HV257, both are 32-channel, integrated amplifier array ICs that operate on a single 300V voltage supply. Both ICs were designed to drive MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical System) in optical networking systems, such as optical cross-connects, switches and tunable photonic modules. Supertex is the industrys first company to combine an array of low voltage sample-and-hold circuits with high voltage amplifiers on the same chip.

SUNNYVALE, Calif. November 20, 2002 - Supertex, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUPX) today announced HV256 and HV257. Both are 32-channel, integrated amplifier array ICs that operate on a single 300V voltage supply. Each channel of HV256 and HV257 is configured as a non-inverting amplifier with programmable external current limit protection, while HV257 also features 32 sample-and-hold circuits that share a common analog input. Both ICs were designed to drive MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical System) in optical networking systems, such as optical cross-connects, switches and tunable photonic modules.

With 32 amplifiers integrated on one chip, system designers can save valuable board space, simplifies board layout and reduces design time and cost. By using HV257 with its sample-and-hold circuits, the number of input digital-to-analog converters (DACs) can be reduced by as much as 32X. Supertex is the industrys first company to combine an array of low voltage sample-and-hold circuits with high voltage amplifiers on the same chip. Output voltage per channel can swing up to 295V providing wide movement for an optical MEMS with a typical slew rate of 2.0V/ms, thus providing sufficient switching time from one optical fiber line to another.

According to In-Stat MDR, the worldwide market for MEMS has been predicted to grow from $3.9 billion in 2001, to $9.5 billion in 2006, an average growth rate of 19.5%. The integration of MEMS with electronics on the same module could, in theory, improve performance, efficiency and reliability of the overall module and reduce its manufacturing and packaging costs.

Optical MEMS is becoming a horizontal enabling technology that will surely serve a number of broad vertical markets," said Brian Hedayati, Director of Marketing at Supertex. With the addition of HV256 and HV257 to the Supertex family of high voltage MEMS driver ICs, we are well positioned to enable many applications across a variety of industry sectors. We feel that our MEMS driver ICs will facilitate these applications to market in less time and at a lower cost."

HV256 and HV257 operate at a 300V supply voltage with integrated high value gain setting resistors for an internal feedback path. These internal feedback resistors and very low operating current (maximum 25mA per channel) minimize power consumption and dissipation. Both have an integrated diode included to facilitate monitoring of die temperature for external temperature compensation and thermal protection.

Samples of HV256FG and HV257FG are available from stock in a small 100 lead MQFP package (lead to lead 17mm x 23mm) and in die form HV256X / HV257X. Lead-time for production quantities is 8 to 12 weeks ARO, HV256FG is priced at $150.00 each; HV257FG at $178.00 each (U.S.$) in 1K quantities.

About Supertex
   Supertex, Inc. is a publicly held mixed signal semiconductor manufacturer, focused in high voltage interface products for use in the telecommunications, networking systems, flat panel displays, medical and industrial electronics industries. Supertex product, corporate and financial information is readily available at www.supertex.com.
-- 30 --