Microchip Technology Introduces 250 mA LDO with Low Quiescent Current, High Input-Voltage.

LDO Extends Battery Run-Times and Has High Tolerance for Input-Voltage Variations

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the MCP1702 Low Dropout Regulator (LDO) -- a 250 mA LDO with low quiescent current, high input voltage, over-voltage protection and thermal shutdown on a single chip. The new LDO is ideal for applications requiring long battery run-times and high tolerance for input-voltage variations, such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, and commercial and residential thermostats.

With a low quiescent current of 2 microamperes, the MCP1702 requires only a small amount of current to maintain regulation, thereby significantly extending battery run times. It supports input voltages up to 13.2V, meaning that standard 9V alkaline batteries can be used to help keep costs low. The MCP1702 LDO also features device- and circuit-protection capabilities such as overcurrent protection and thermal shutdown, enabling users to more effectively avoid system failures. With highly accurate output-voltage regulation, including +/- 2 percent over-temperature accuracy, the MCP1702 helps to ensure smooth, reliable system operation.

"With the ever-present need for longer battery run-times in battery-powered devices, our customers need LDOs with low quiescent current and high tolerance for input-voltage variations," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "The MCP1702 LDO was designed to meet these needs, plus provide additional benefits such as ceramic output-capacitor stability, which helps to reduce design size. With all of these features on one chip, the MCP1702 helps our customers to build in the performance that their designs demand, with minimal board space and low costs."

Applications that can benefit from the MCP1702 LDO include those requiring long battery run-times (smoke detectors, life-support devices); those with high input voltage variations (fire alarms, commercial and residential thermostats); and battery-powered portable devices (personal media players, MP3 players).

Packaging, Pricing and Availability

Samples of the MCP1702 LDO are available today at http://sample.microchip.com, and volume production orders can be placed at www.microchipdirect.com today. The device is available in small, 3-pin SOT-89, SOT-23 and TO-92 packages, all of which provide superior thermal dissipation. It is priced at $.37 each in 10,000-unit quantities for all package types.

For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/MCP1702.

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. (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, Ariz., 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 are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

* Photo and circuit diagram available through editorial contact

Keywords:

Semiconductor Applications: Medical; Patient Monitoring/Telemetry

Semiconductor Applications: Power Management; Battery Management

Semiconductor Applications: Computer/Peripheral; Mobile; Handheld/PDA/Palmtop