Microchip Technology Announces World's First High-Speed, Low-Density SPI Serial EEPROMs in Miniature SOT-23 Package.

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- 10 MHz Devices Extend Microchip's SPI Serial EEPROM Offering Into 1-2 Kb Applications and Are Also Available in 2 x 3 mm DFN Package

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the world's first SPI serial EEPROMs in a miniature, SOT-23 package. The 25xx010A, 25xx020A and 25xx040A EEPROMs extend Microchip's SPI serial EEPROM product line into high-speed (10 MHz), low-density (1-2 Kb) applications. In addition to the SOT-23, the new devices are available in the popular 2 x 3 mm DFN package, and all standard packages. They were developed using Microchip's PMOS Electrically Erasable Cell (PEEC) technology and therefore provide data retention up to 200 years and the best endurance in the industry, with well over one million erase/write cycles in most applications.

Until now, Microchip's SPI serial EEPROM product line supported the 4 Kb to 256 Kb memory density range. These new devices extend this product line into 1 and 2 Kb applications, and provide a high-speed version of Microchip's current 4 Kb part in the 25xx040A. With speeds up to 10 MHz, the new EEPROMs enable designers to take maximum advantage of the high-speed capabilities of the SPI bus.

"Our customers continue to ask for faster SPI memory devices in smaller packages," said Barry Blixt, marketing manager with Microchip's ROM Microcontroller and Memory Division. "Microchip is committed to meeting such requests, as exemplified by the release of our new 10 MHz products, all available in space-saving SOT-23 and 2 x 3 mm DFN packages. We continue to listen to customers and develop products that meet their needs."

The 25AA010A and 25LC010A EEPROMs provide 1 Kb of memory density, the 25AA020A and 25LC020A provide 2 Kb, and the 25AA040A and 25LC040A provide 4 Kb of memory density, all with capability for speeds up to 10 MHz. In addition to the 6-pin SOT-23 and 8-pin DFN packages, all of the new EEPROMs are available in 8-pin SOIC, TSSOP, MSOP and PDIP packages. For a datasheet and pinout details, visit www.microchip.com/25xx0x0A.

Because they are all offered in such a broad range of package options, these new devices provide an easy upgrade path for applications requiring minimal amounts of memory, with high speeds. They are backed by Microchip's commitment to the serial EEPROM market, as well as its reputation for consistent supply, world-class quality and reliability, and excellent service.

Development Support

Microchip's SEEVAL(R) 32 Serial EEPROM Designer's Kit (Part # DV243002) supports development using the 25xx010A, 25xx020A and 25xx040A devices. The kit is Windows(R)-compliant and includes Microchip's Total Endurance(TM) modeling software, a SEEVAL 32 developer board and user interface software, power supply, RS-232 serial cable, serial EEPROM sample pack and quick start user's guide. It is available today at www.microchipdirect.com for $99.99.

Pricing and Availability

Visit http://sample.microchip.com today to sample the 25xx010A, 25xx020A and 25xx040A serial EEPROMs. The devices are available for volume purchasing at www.microchipdirect.com. Pricing in 10,000-unit quantities is as follows:

--The 25xx010A starts at $.44 each for the SOT-23 and SOIC package, $.46 each for the PDIP package, $.48 each for the MSOP and TSSOP packages and $.52 each for the DFN package.

--The 25xx020A starts at $.46 each for the SOT-23 and SOIC packages, $.48 each for the PDIP package, $.50 each for the MSOP and TSSOP packages, and $.54 each for the DFN package.

--The 25xx040A starts at $.48 each for the SOT-23 and SOIC packages, $.50 each for the PDIP package, $.52 each for the MSOP and TSSOP package, and $.57 each for the DFN package.

For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/25xx0x0A.

Microchip Customer Support

Microchip is committed to supporting its customers by helping design engineers develop products faster and more efficiently. Customers can access four main service areas at www.microchip.com. The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered; the Sample area offers free evaluation samples of any Microchip device; microchipDIRECT provides 24-hour pricing, ordering, inventory and credit for convenient purchasing of all Microchip devices and development tools; finally, the Training area educates customers through webinars, sign-ups for local seminar and workshop courses, and information about the annual MASTERs events held throughout the world.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. 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, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip Web site at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. SEEVAL is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States. Total Endurance is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Note: Photo and pricing available through editorial contact.

Keywords:

Semiconductor Applications: Memory Solutions; Computing

Semiconductor Applications: Memory Solutions; Connectivity

Semiconductor Applications: Memory Solutions; Consumer/Graphics

Semiconductor Applications: Memory Solutions; Cards/Drives