BMW Signs SmartShunt(R) Technology Patent License Agreement with Microchip Technology.CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Microchip Technology  Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a manufacturer of microcontroller, memory and analog semiconductors, founded in 1989 when Inc. (Nasdaq:MCHP MCHP Maryland Children's Health ProgramMCHP Microchip Technologies (stock symbol) MCHP Micro-sized Combined Heat and Power (American Honda Motor Co. & Climate Energy, LLC) MCHP Maine Community Heritage Project ), a leading provider of microcontroller A single chip that contains the processor (the CPU), non-volatile memory for the program (ROM or flash), volatile memory for input and output (RAM), a clock and an I/O control unit. and analog semiconductors, today announced the signing of a patent license agreement with the German automaker BMW BMW in full Bayerische Motoren Werke AG German automaker. Founded as an aircraft engine manufacturer in 1916, the company assumed the name Bayerische Motoren Werke and became known for its high-speed motorcycles in the 1920s. AG. The agreement provides BMW access to Microchip-owned patents covering the use of microcontrollers/microprocessors in battery-monitoring sensors, including conventional 12V vehicles. BMW is a leader in the design and implementation of battery and power-monitoring sensors that track energy use and battery condition in automotive applications. Microchip acquired the licensed technology as part of the PowerSmart(R) acquisition in 2002. Microchip also manufactures key semiconductor components used in power sensors, including voltage regulators An electronic circuit used to maintain a level amount of voltage in an electrical line. It eliminates power surges, spikes and brownouts, which can cause harm to sensitive electronics. A voltage regulator "module" (VRM) is a voltage regulator in a replaceable unit. See surge suppression and UPS. , memory chips and advanced microcontrollers needed for data transmission. The integration of digital components with traditional analog current sensors A current sensor is a device that detect electrical current (AC or DC) in a wire, and generates a signal proportional to it. The sensed current and the output signal can be:
"The significant growth of electronics in vehicles has created an expanding need for power management in vehicles," said Ganesh Moorthy, vice president of Microchip's Advanced Microcontroller and Memory Division. "By making the SmartShunt(R) technology patents available for license, we hope to enable the expanded use of integrated current sensors in all automotive designs. BMW is a leader in the use of this type of sensor, and we expect to see other automakers follow their lead." About Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona Chandler is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. Chandler is one of the major suburbs of Phoenix. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 176,582. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 234,939. , Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com. Note: The Microchip name and logo, PowerSmart, and SmartShunt are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies. |
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