Microchip Technology Miniaturizes the Smallest PIC(R) Microcontrollers; PIC10F and Baseline 8-bit PIC Microcontrollers Now Available in 2x3 DFN Packages.

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced that all members of its 6-pin PIC10F microcontroller family are now available in ultra-small 2 mm x 3 mm Dual Flat No-lead (DFN) packages for space-constrained applications. Additionally, three members of Microchip's 8-pin Baseline PIC(R) microcontroller family are also available in a 2x3 DFN, providing additional I/O and functionality with the same footprint. These additions bring programmability and versatility to a wide range of low-cost, nontraditional applications for digital intelligence.

"Since being introduced as the world's first 6-pin microcontroller family over two years ago, the PIC10F family has seen tremendous market acceptance among both traditional and nontraditional microcontroller users," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "By making the PIC10F and our Baseline families available in even smaller packages, we are continuing to open the door for innovation where space is limited and where electronic intelligence was not previously employed."

Features

This 2x3 DFN packaging requires 30 percent less board space than the current SOT-23 and provides designers with a reduced height, which is often critical in handheld electronics. Additionally, these families provide ease of use and quick development via a simple and easy-to-learn instruction set, and inexpensive and simple tools. Key features of the 6-pin PIC10F200/202/204/206/220/222 and 8-pin PIC12F508/509/510 microcontrollers include:

--Available 8-bit analog-to-digital converter

--Available comparator(s)

--Precision internal oscillator operating at up to 8 MHz 

--1.125 ms Device Reset Timer (DRT)

--256 to 1K instructions (x12-bit program words) of Flash program memory

--16 bytes to 41 bytes of data RAM

--25 mA source/sink current IO

--Low-power (100 nA) sleep current

--Wide operating voltage range from 2- to 5.5-volts

--One 8-bit timer, and one watchdog timer 

--In Circuit Serial Programming(TM) (ICSP(TM)) technology for programming after placement on a board

--Power-on reset, and power-saving sleep mode

Applications

The PIC10F and Baseline PIC microcontrollers are well suited for any spaced-constrained application requiring integrated intelligence. Handheld devices, such as MP3 players and cell phones, are good examples of applications where these microcontrollers often perform peripheral functions such as flashing an LED, power on/off control or battery authentication.

Development Tools

The PIC10F and Baseline PIC microcontroller families are supported by Microchip's world-class development tools, including the free MPLAB(R) Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software and all of Microchip's programmers. Additionally, the PICkit(TM) 2 Starter Kit (DV164120) makes it easy to get started with Microchip's low pin count microcontrollers for only $49.99.

Availability and Pricing

In RoHS-compliant 2x3 DFN packages, the PIC10F and Baseline PIC microcontrollers are available now for general sampling at http://sample.microchip.com. Volume production is available now for all six members of the PIC10F family, starting at $0.44 each in 10,000-unit quantities, while the Baseline PIC12F508/12F509/12F510 microcontrollers in 2x3 DFN are expected to be available for volume orders in the fourth quarter of 2006 at www.microchipdirect.com. For more information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit www.microchip.com/baseline or www.microchip.com/startnow.

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, Regional Training Centers, 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, PIC, and MPLAB are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. In-Circuit Serial Programming, ICSP, and PICkit are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

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