Microchip's LIN Development Kit Makes Designing LIN-Based Systems with PICmicro MCUs Easier.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2002

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) Wednesday introduced its PICDEM(TM) LIN (Local Interconnect Network) Development Kit that enables designers to easily and efficiently develop solutions using the LIN bus protocol with PICmicro(R) microcontroller-based systems.

The LIN protocol is ideal for low-end networks in the automotive market as well as in other market segments, such as appliances.

The LIN protocol was created as the standard for vehicle networks to connect various automotive subsystems. In addition to enhancing communication among these subsystems, the protocol also lowers system cost and improves reliability.

Typical automotive applications for the LIN protocol include wiper controls, door locks, climate and air regulation, window pinch deterrence, lighting, mirror, steering wheel and sunroof controls as well as mechatronic node functions.

Designing and evaluating LIN-based systems with the PICDEM LIN Development Kit is made easier and more efficient since the sample programs provided with the kit demonstrate the LIN protocol in a simple distribution network using the sample microcontrollers. Designers also have the ability to demonstrate the integration of the LIN bus protocol into a product for proof of concept.

The powerful LIN hardware and software kit includes a series of boards and three PICmicro(R) microcontrollers. The small footprint PIC16C432 and PIC16C433 are used as slaves in the LIN communication and feature on-board LIN transceivers and a PIC16F874 Flash microcontroller serves as a master. All three microcontrollers are programmed with firmware to provide LIN bus communication.

The PIC16C432 and PIC16C433 microcontrollers provide a bi-directional half-duplex communication physical interface to mechatronic nodes in distributed automotive systems. The devices combine more functions into fewer components to deliver increased systems integration and provide better reliability.

The demonstration boards accept 18-, 28- and 40-pin DIP devices and feature a prototyping area, an on-board +12V regulator and a jumper to disconnect the on-board RC oscillator. A control panel interface for the LIN bus master module, LIN bus slave modules, seat control module and an instrumentation panel module is included.

Additional features include an RF stage for remote keyless entry (RKE) function, RS-232 interface capability, In-Circuit Serial Programming(TM) technology for each individual Flash module and a LIN-Bus master featuring an MCP2510 CAN-Bus interface. The Master Node acts as a gateway between the CAN bus and LIN bus, whereby it scans the input switches, pools, and reports system errors.

Alternatively, the PIC18F258 and PIC18F458 Flash microcontrollers with a CAN 2.0B interface can also be used as the LIN bus master module.

Microchip's Web site offers Application Note 729 "LIN Protocol Specification Implementation with PICmicro(R) Microcontrollers," which describes the bus protocol and its implementation in automotive electronics subsystems and can be found at http://www.microchip.com.

The LIN Protocol Development Kit (DM163005), which includes the demonstration board, PIC16C432, PIC16C433 and PIC16F874 microcontrollers, sample programs and a user's guide, is priced at $445 each and is available now. For more information, contact Microchip's Literature Line at 480/786-7668 or contact any authorized Microchip distributor around the world.

Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the popular PICmicro(R) field-programmable RISC microcontrollers, which serve 8- and 16-bit embedded control applications, and a broad spectrum of high-performance linear and mixed-signal, power management and thermal management devices.

The company also offers complementary microperipheral products including interface devices; microID(R) RFID devices; serial EEPROMs; and the patented KEELOQ(R) security devices. This synergistic product portfolio targets thousands of applications and a growing demand for high-performance designs in the automotive, communications, computing, consumer and industrial control markets.

The company's quality systems are ISO 9001 (1994 version) and QS9000 (1998 version) certified. Microchip is headquartered in Chandler with design facilities in Mountain View, Calif. and Bangalore, India; semiconductor fabrication facilities in Tempe and Chandler, Ariz. and Puyallup, Wash.; and assembly and test operations near Bangkok, Thailand.

Microchip employs approximately 2,950 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas. More information on the company can be found at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, PICmicro, microID and KEELOQ are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. PICDEM, ICSP and In-Circuit Serial Programming are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.