Atmel Ships First Flash-Based AT91 ARM Thumb MCU.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 1999--

Atmel Corporation (Nasdaq:ATML) announced it is shipping the AT91F40416, the first Flash-based ARM(R) Thumb(R) microcontroller.

"The AT91F40416 is Atmel's first 16/32-bit ARM Thumb Flash-based microcontroller. It joins an extensive line up of 8-bit Flash microcontrollers and extends our product offering of highly integrated microcontrollers to enable new price performance points," said Jim Panfil, Atmel's director of microcontoller products.

"The GPS market adopted the AT91 ARM-Thumb microcontroller", said Jacko Wilbrink, marketing manager for microcontrollers. "The AT91F40416 was selected by SiRF Technology, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA for their new reference design using the SiRFStar(TM) I chipset, targeted at main stream consumer products," he added.

"SiRF is driving GPS platforms like car navigation systems, PC add-on cards and cellular phones. Consumers want new products to offer additional features in a smaller form factor," said Ashu Pande, director of product marketing at SiRF. "Atmels low-power Flash-based ARM Thumb microcontroller allows us to provide GPS function in a compact package."

The low power consumption and compact footprint of the AT91F40416 open new markets, such as sensor applications, where space and power constraints are critical. Typical current limitations of several mA can be achieved by reducing the maximum operating frequency to a few 100 KHz. Only an AT91 microcontroller can provide the required performance level at these low speeds of operation.

The AT91F40416 integrates a 16-Mbit Flash memory, ARM Thumb processor and peripherals in a single device that is a lower cost than comparable two chip solutions. The Flash is In-System-Programmable and the processor can read-while-writing the Flash thanks to its dual-plane architecture. Prices for the AT91F40416 in a 120-ball BGA package start at $14 each in quantities of 10,000 units.

Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose, with manufacturing facilities in Colorado Springs, Colo., Nantes and Rousset, France and Heilbronn, Germany. Atmel designs, manufactures and markets on a worldwide basis advanced logic, mixed-signal, non-volatile 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 800/292-8635 or Internationally, call 408/441-0732. Requests may be made via e-mail to [e-mail] or by visiting Atmel's web site at www.atmel.com.

SiRF Technology, Inc. was founded in 1995 to bring GPS technology and other wireless communications innovations to a wide range of consumer applications. The company has extensive experience in GPS, spread-spectrum, radio frequency (RF), semiconductor, software and communications technologies. Operating as a fabless communications IC company with an intellectual property (IP) licensing model, SiRF is able to concentrate its resources on developing high-performance, cost-effective and high-quality chip set, IP and software solutions that will serve high-growth markets such as consumer GPS navigation and wireless communications.

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