Atmel Delivers Flash-Based Microcontroller Solution for Revolutionary V-Chip Technology.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 1998--Atmel Corporation (Nasdaq:ATML) today announced it has been selected by Tri-Vision International, LTD/LTEE of Toronto, Canada as supplier of a high performance Flash-based AVR(R) microcontroller for the first commercially available V-Chip System.

By using a remote control and set-top decoder, viewers will be able to set threshold levels for violence, language and sexual content on their televisions.

The system manufactured by Tri-Vision is called the Vogis(tm). This system will help make television viewing a more positive experience for children. Public concern over the amount of violence on television has been fueled by studies that have found a correlation between the level of violence on TV and the level of violence in society. U.S. legislation is requiring the V-Chip to be installed in most new television sets. This has been driven by consumer interest, especially families with children under the age of 12 -- constituting some 158 million households worldwide.

The device selected is an Atmel microcontroller, AT90S8515, that incorporates Flash memory allowing the program memory to be altered thereby increasing product flexibility. This reprogrammability allows the designer to decrease inventory risk enabling for last minute code changes. The device has 8 kilobytes of on-board Flash memory, which is reprogrammable within the system without the need for any special voltages. The In-System Programming (ISP) feature offers several key advantages to system designers.

"Integrating Atmel's microcontroller into our design helped reduce system costs and complexity while speeding our time to market," said Todd Grunberg, vice president of marketing and business development for Tri-Vision International.

"Because of Atmel's leading ability to mix processes with embedded nonvolatile memory, this expertise allows system developers to shorten design and manufacturing times, maintain minimal inventories and reduce production costs because the reprogrammability of Flash memory. This allows end-of-the-line or just-in-time system configuration," explained Jim Panfil, Atmel's director of microcontroller marketing. "Additionally, end equipment using Flash memory-based microcontrollers for program storage can be upgraded in the field which is critical for last minute FCC regulatory changes for Tri-Vision's products," Panfil said.

TriVision International LTD/LTEE is a public company founded in 1986 and traded on Canada's, Toronto's stock exchange under the symbol of TVL. Tri-Vision Electronics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tri-Vision International LTD/LTEE holds the exclusive global rights to the proprietary V-chip technology developed by award winning Canadian inventory Tim Collings.

Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose, California with principal manufacturing facilities in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Nantes and Rousset, France and Heilbronn, Germany.

Atmel designs, manufactures and markets on a worldwide basis advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory, and RF semiconductors. Atmel is also a leading provider of system level integration semiconductor solutions using advanced CMOS, BiCMOS, BiPolar and SiGe process technologies.

Atmel product and financial information are available from its Fax-on-Demand service. In North America call 1-800/292-8635 or Internationally, call 1-408/441-0732. Requests may be made via e-mail to [e-mail] or by visiting Atmel's website at www.atmel.com.

Note to Editors: Atmel, the Atmel logo and combinations thereof are trademarks of Atmel Corporation. Vogis is a trademark of Tri-Vision International LTD/LTEE. Additional terms and product names in this document may be trademarks of others.