IRVINE, Calif., May 20, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, today introduced the world's first solar bypass solution capable of increasing power generation efficiency in photovoltaic (PV) solar module applications. The breakthrough solution will be demonstrated at the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Conference, May 20 through May 22, 2010, in Phoenix, Arizona.

A leader in PV solar solutions with its discrete and power modules for solar inverter offerings, Microsemi has expanded its solar portfolio to include the LX2400 IDEALSolar(TM) bypass solution. The LX2400 is an integrated circuit solution based on technology developed by Microsemi in conjunction with Spelsberg ELS, an expert in connection
systems for photovoltaic modules, and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy
(ISE), the largest solar energy research institute in Europe. Microsemi's LX2400 implements the company's patented CoolRUN(TM) technology, which increases power-generation efficiency and significantly reduces operating temperatures while slashing the operational expense, reliability problems and associated warranty costs of traditional Schottky diodes.

"Microsemi is excited to bring this new, ground-breaking technology to the solar PV industry," said Tom Kapucija, director of marketing with Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group. "With the lowest forward voltage drop in a bypass solution, the LX2400 will be the first of its kind to address thermal reliability, operational cost, and power-generation efficiency challenges that are common in solar installations. By adapting and refining our expertise in satellite PV module applications, where high reliability is a must, we have
developed a solution that can provide system operators with improved profitability, a faster break-even time, and improved energy efficiency."

According to market research firm Gartner in a December 2009 press release ("Gartner Says U.S. Solar PPA Industry Growth Will Create New IT Revenue Opportunities"), "the U.S. solar power purchase agreement (PPA) market will grow to reach an estimated $8 billion in new photovoltaic (PV) solar power generation installations by 2013, up from an estimated $700 million in 2009."

"Solar PPAs are expected to reach 3 Gigawatts of installed systems in 2013 in the U.S. alone, representing $8 billion," said Al Velosa, a research director at Gartner. "Semiconductor technologies can help cut operational expenses for these PPAs, particularly for insurance, warranty and in-field recall and replacement costs. This will have a clear impact on PPA
profitability, and the potential to significantly accelerate market development."

Microsemi's LX2400 device will be used in junction boxes supporting both existing and next-generation high-power solar modules serving industrial, commercial, and solar PPA applications. With its extremely low typical forward voltage drop of 50mV under 10A load currents, the LX2400 operates with negligible heat generation, resulting in a temperature rise of only 10 degrees C (typical). It is designed with Microsemi's high-reliability, 40-year design rule methodology to enable support for industry warranty requirements and extreme environment survivability. The LX2400 is fully functional from -65 degrees C to +165 degrees C, passes 1.4Joule lightning tests and is compliant with IEC61215, Section 10.18.

The LX2400 is sampling to Microsemi's lead customer and general samples will be available
starting in July 2010 with production volumes available later in third quarter of 2010.

About Microsemi

Microsemi Corporation, with corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, high reliability semiconductors and RF subsystems. 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, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers, monitors and LCD TVs, automotive and
mobile connectivity applications. More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its website at http://www.microsemi.com.

The Microsemi Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1233

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in this news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature, including without limitation statements concerning the world's first solar bypass solution capable of increasing power generation efficiency in photovoltaic (PV) solar module applications, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence, potential cost increases, variations in customer order preferences, weakness or competitive pricing environment of the marketplace, uncertain demand for and acceptance of the company's products, adverse circumstances in any of our end markets, results of in-process or planned development or marketing and promotional campaigns, difficulties foreseeing future demand, potential non-realization of expected orders or non-realization of backlog, product returns, product liability, and other potential unexpected business and economic conditions or adverse changes in current or expected industry conditions, difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights, inventory obsolescence and difficulties regarding
customer qualification of products. In addition to these factors and any other factors mentioned elsewhere in this news release, the reader should refer as well to the factors, uncertainties or risks identified in the company's most recent Form 10-K and all subsequent Form 10-Q reports filed by Microsemi with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in Microsemi's future filings. The forward-looking statements included in this release speak only as of the date hereof, and Microsemi does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

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SOURCE: Microsemi Corporation

CONTACT:  Microsemi Corporation
Financial Contact:
John Hohener, Executive Vice President and CFO
(949) 221-7100
Editorial Contact:
Cliff Silver, Corporate Communications Manager
(949) 221-7100

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