Micrel Inc. was a prominent American semiconductor manufacturer, founded in 1978 and headquartered in San Jose, California. The company specialized in designing, manufacturing, and marketing integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete semiconductors for a wide range of applications, including networking, industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics. Known for its high-performance analog, power management, and mixed-signal solutions, Micrel built a strong reputation for innovation and reliability. Its product portfolio included voltage regulators, Ethernet transceivers, switches, and timing devices. In 2015, Micrel was acquired by Microchip Technology Inc., integrating its extensive offerings into a broader semiconductor ecosystem. This acquisition enhanced Microchip’s capabilities in connectivity and power management markets.