Founded in 1978, Micrel is a leading manufacturer of integrated circuit solutions in the global analog, Ethernet and high bandwidth markets. The company's wafer fabrication facility is located in San Jose, California, with regional sales, support offices, and advanced technology design centers located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In addition, the company has an extensive worldwide network of sales representatives and distributors. In 1981, Micrel acquired its first independent semiconductor processing equipment. Initially focused on customizing and specializing in manufacturing other IC manufacturers, McCrael eventually expanded to develop its own semi-custom and standard products for smart power integrated circuits. Micrel uses its own world-class wafer manufacturing plant, which contains a series of process technologies, allowing Micrel Semiconductor to rapidly develop and introduce the most advanced products. Micrel products include: high-speed logic & clock IC, high-speed communication IC, linear and interface IC, power IC, protection power switch, RF IC, other semi-custom products. These products address a wide range of rapidly growing end markets including mobile phones, portable and enterprise computing, enterprise and home networks, wide area and metropolitan area networks, and industrial equipment.