O2Micro Extends Free Dimming(TM) Technology for the Global LED Lighting Market With New Isolated Step-Dimming Driver

OZ8027A LED Driver Controller Dims Using Any On/Off Switch and Provides Primary-Side-Control and Power Factor Correction

GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman, Sept. 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 DimmingTM technology and Lighting product portfolio with the introduction of the OZ8027A.

O2Micro’s patented Free Dimming technology enables LED bulbs to dim using any on/off switch, thus eliminating cost, installation and compatibility problems associated with traditional incandescent dimmers. 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 OZ8027A LED Driver Controller

Similar to O2Micro’s OZ8022A, OZ8022B and OZ8022M Free Dimming LED driver controllers, the OZ8027A LED Driver Controller provides three-step dimming using any ordinary non-dimming on/off switch. However, while the OZ8022 product family supports non-isolated applications, the OZ8027A features an isolated flyback topology to help support UL regulatory requirements.

The OZ8027A features low BOM-count and uses primary-side regulation to eliminate the need for an expensive optocoupler. The OZ8027A also features power factor correction, achieving high power factor over a wide input voltage range and very low THD to meet various regulatory requirements. The built-in high voltage startup circuit provides fast startup operation and reduces the BOM count. The device is also compatible with neon indicators commonly found in wall switches.

The OZ8027A supports universal 85V to 265V operation, enabling one LED bulb to address the global marketplace. 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 provides safe and reliable operation. Excellent LED current regulation ensures consistent lumen output, regardless of varying line input conditions.

Product Availability and Additional Information

The OZ8027A is available in a cost effective 8-pin SOP package and is 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.

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.