Atmel Introduces megaAVR Microcontroller Family With Self-Programming Memory.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 2001

Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:ATML) announced today a new family of five AVR microcontrollers with a revolutionary Self-Programming Flash memory. This product family is designed to support applications requiring remote programming or field upgrade capability. The CPU has read while write capability and is able to program or reprogram the Flash memory block, via the SPI, UART or two wire interface while application code is executing in the boot block sector. The Self-Programming feature can be implemented over the full temperature and voltage range.

The Flash memory of the megaAVR(R) is divided into a boot block and application code section, which is made up of sectors containing 128 bytes. The small sector size significantly reduces the programming time needed for code patches, updates and changes that do not require a complete memory update. Lock bits can be set to protect code in the boot block or application section from unauthorized read or accidental reprogramming.

"The megaAVR is a breakthrough product that will change the way Flash-based microcontrollers will be used," said Jim Panfil, director of Microcontroller Products. "The service cost for applications that require field updates like vending machines, telephone routers and mobile communicators will be significantly reduced because the Flash memory can be changed remotely. This new capability can be implemented with a single megaAVR microcontroller. No additional circuits are needed to reprogram the memory, which reduces board space and cost," he added.

The first five members of the megaAVR family are highly integrated devices and have from 8K to 128K Bytes of Flash program Memory, EEPROM, a programmable UART, hardware multiplier, programmable brownout detector and 10 bit A/D converter. They are housed in the industry standard 32, 44 or 64 pin TQFP or 28 and 40 pin PDIP packages. The Mega 8, 16, 32 and 128 are sampling now, and the Mega 64 is scheduled for the first quarter 2002.

In quantities of 10k the Mega 8 is priced at $2.20. Development tools and low cost In-circuit-emulation support for the entire MegaAVR family is available now.

"The megaAVR will be used as part of a lean design system known as ControlWorks(TM), which allows Invensys to develop a product that has significantly different looks. The megaAVR and ControlWorks design approach will reduce application development time and reduce lead-time for new control products," said Tim Matt, Invensys Controls vice president for Advanced Technology Development. "It is no longer necessary for our customers to worry about the software development and testing time. With flash-based memory there is no masked micro to build into the schedule. There is no wasted inventory when a change is made to the software. Because of this partnership with Atmel, we are able to offer our customers a complete applications development solution," he added.

About Atmel

Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose with manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. Atmel designs, manufactures and markets worldwide, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and RF semiconductors. Atmel is also a leading provider of system-level integration semiconductor solutions using CMOS, BiCMOS, bipolar SiGe, and high-voltage BCDMOS process technologies.

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

Note to Editors: The Atmel logo and combinations thereof and megaAVR are registered trademarks others contained herein, are trademarks of Atmel Corporation. ControlWorks is a trademark of Invensys. Other terms and product names in this document may be the trademarks of others.