O2Micro Extends Free Dimming(TM) Technology for the Global LED Lighting Market With New Continuous-Dimming Drivers

OZ8024 and OZ8024R LED Driver Controllers Dim Using Any On/Off Switch and Provide Continuous Dimming, Stopping at Any Selected Level

GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman, Oct. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O2Micro®International Limited, a global leader in the design, development and marketing of high-performance integrated circuits and solutions, today extended the Company’s Free Dimming™ technology and lighting product portfolio with the introduction of the OZ8024 and OZ8024R LED Driver Controllers.

Free Dimming technology enables LED bulbs to dim using any on/off switch, thus eliminating cost, installation and compatibility issues associated with traditional incandescent dimmers. O2Micro’s patented Free Dimming technology works with any on/off switch, including wall toggles, paddle switches, pull cords, rotary switches and other types of on/off switches commonly found on walls, extension cords and table/desk lamps.

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), there are over 4.4 billion medium, screw-based light sockets in the U.S. Yet, according to industry estimates, there are only 150 million incandescent dimmers, representing an enormous, untapped market opportunity for O2Micro’s Free Dimming technology, which is inherently simple and works with any non-dimming on/off switch.

About the OZ8024 and OZ8024R LED Driver Controllers

Similar to O2Micro’s Step-Dimming LED driver controllers, LED bulbs that incorporate O2Micro’s OZ8024 and OZ8024R LED Driver Controllers can dim using any ordinary non-dimming on/off switch. However, the OZ8024 and OZ8024R feature continuous dimming, latching at any desired brightness level.

A LED bulb incorporating the OZ8024 achieves full brightness when it is turned on. Toggling the on/off switch starts the continuous dimming action from high to low. If the on/off switch is toggled again while the bulb is dimming, it will latch at the selected level, thus allowing the user to choose any dimming level between maximum and minimum brightness. Otherwise, the bulb will continue dimming to the 3% minimum level. Flicking the on/off switch again returns the bulb to full brightness, allowing the cycle to be repeated.

The OZ8024R is identical to the OZ8024 except for the dimming user interface. A LED bulb incorporating the OZ8024R ramps from minimum to maximum brightness when it is turned on. While ramping, toggling the on/off switch will latch the bulb at the selected level, thus allowing the user to choose any dimming level between minimum and maximum brightness. If there is no toggle action, the bulb will simply continue ramping to full brightness. Flicking the on/off switch again initiates the low to high ramp, allowing the cycle to be repeated.

The OZ8024 and OZ8024R support non-isolated buck converter applications utilizing quasi-resonant conversion techniques with peak current mode control and zero-current detection to simplify circuit design and achieve low BOM-count. The built-in high voltage startup circuit provides fast startup operation and reduces the BOM count.

The OZ8024 and OZ8024R support universal 85V to 265V operation, enabling one LED bulb to address the global marketplace. Excellent LED current regulation ensures consistent lumen output, regardless of varying line input conditions. High efficiency greater than 85% reduces energy consumption and thermal management complexity. Integrated over-temperature, over-voltage, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, LED open circuit and LED short circuit protection with auto-recovery provides safe and reliable operation.

Product Availability and Additional Information

The OZ8024 and OZ8024R are available in cost effective 8-pin SOP or 16-pin QFN packages and are in high volume production now. Samples and evaluation boards are available now for qualified customers.

For additional information, contact O2Micro sales representatives via our website at www.o2micro.com.

About O2Micro

Founded in April 1995, O2Micro develops and markets innovative power management and e-commerce components for the Computer, Consumer, Industrial, and Communications markets. Products include Intelligent Lighting, Battery Management, and Power Management.

O2Micro International maintains an extensive portfolio of intellectual property with 20,690 patent claims granted, and over 21,000 more pending. The company maintains offices worldwide. Additional company and product information can be found on the company website at www.o2micro.com.

O2Micro, the O2Micro logo, and combinations thereof are registered trademarks of O2Micro. Free Dimming and combinations thereof are trademarks of O2Micro. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The O2Micro International Limited logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6567

Statements made in this release that are not historical, including statements regarding O2Micro’s or management’s intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, representations, projections, plans or predictions of the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as reduced demand for products of electronic equipment manufacturers which include O2Micro’s products due to adverse economic conditions in general or specifically affecting O2Micro’s markets, technical difficulties and delays in the developments process, and errors in the products. You are also referred to the Form F-1 in connection with the company’s initial public offering in August 2000, Form F-3 in connection with the company’s public offering in November 2001, and the annual reports on Form 20-F, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.