Microchip Technology launches OTP MCUs with 8K x 14 program memory for high-speed communications.

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 1997--Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MCHP), a leading supplier of 8-bit microcontrollers, serial EEPROMs and specialty nonvolatile memory products for embedded control applications, continues the expansion of its cost-effective one-time programmable (OTP) product line into the mid-range, 8-bit microcontroller market with the introduction of the new PIC16C66 and PIC16C67.

These devices combine extensive communications capability and industry-leading performance of 5.0 MIPS CPU with cost-effective OTP technology to provide a new price/performance point in the 8-bit microcontroller market.

The EPROM-based PIC16C66/67 feature a Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) operating up to 5.0 million bits per second for high-speed communications capability. With large 8 K x 14 bits words of program memory and 368 bytes of data RAM, these devices are ideal for computationally intensive applications.

The PIC16C66/67 offer 200-nsec microcycle times; 35 powerful single-cycle instructions, each 14 bits wide; and small footprint 28-pin and 40-pin packages. Both devices provide an ideal embedded control solution for applications -- such as air bag controllers, motor control, central office line cards, set top boxes and network switches -- which require high processing speed and extensive communications with other processors or resources.

The communications capabilities of the PIC16C66/67 are unmatched in the industry with 33 pins dedicated to I/O functions. Included are: an 8-bit asynchronous slave port to directly communicate with other microprocessors or microcontrollers in a system; a unique synchronous serial port supporting SPI(TM), or I2C(TM), protocols for the ultimate flexibility in designing low-cost communications systems with other system resources; two PWM outputs with 8-bit resolution operating at an industry-leading 80 KHz; and a 16-bit capture/compare facility with 200 nsec resolution. The PIC16C66/67 is also capable of direct LED drive and direct triac interface.

On-chip peripherals include a comprehensive timer subsystem, providing a real-time clock as well as an 8- and two 16-bit counter/timer modules. The devices offer precision timing interfaces with two channels of 160 nanosecond resolution for input capture, compare and pulse-width modulation (PWM).

The PIC16C66/67 consume very low power, drawing less than 15 microamps from a 3 Volt supply while operating at 32 KHz. The integral "sleep" mode instruction decreases current draw to less than 1 microamp typically.

"The PIC16C66 is one of the few 28-pin devices on the market which supports high-speed communications technology and 8 K x 14 OTP memory at an attractive price," said Ron Cates, strategic marketing manager at Microchip. "Both the PIC16C66 and PIC16C67 present an ideal migration path for users of the popular PIC16C63 and PIC16C65 and other PIC16/17 products, by providing more OTP program and data memory along with intelligent peripherals to expand the scope of their applications while maintaining their existing code."

"The affordable, one-time programmable (OTP) capabilities offered by the PIC16C66/67 and the PIC16/17 family solve a range of critical business problems for our customers," said Cates. "Engineering managers can react faster to code changes and reduce the time required to fix bugs or respond to special customer requests for changes. OTP also reduces the design verification cycle, which can be as long as 16 weeks with competitive ROM-based devices.

"OTP and on-board programming address procurement issues by reducing and limiting WIP liability and facilitating code revision," Cates explained. "Microchip's worldwide distributors stock OTP devices, allowing customers to meet any up-side sales opportunities or accommodate engineering changes off the shelf."

Pricing in 1,000 unit quantities (commercial temperature versions, PDIP) is $6.42 each for the PIC16C66-04/P and $6.88 for the PIC16C67-04/P. Samples are available today with volume shipments planned for June 1997. Contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor for more information.

The PIC16C66/67 are supported by the PICMASTER(R) Universal Development System, the industry's most complete, fully integrated programming development and emulation system. Operating in the Microsoft Windows(R) environment, the comprehensive PICMASTER is available for $2,490 without the PRO MATE(R) II device programmer ($3,345 with PRO MATE II).

The development system features the MPLAB(TM) Integrated Development Environment, which gives users the flexibility to edit, compile, emulate and program parts all from a single user interface -- at no additional cost. A CE-compliant version of PICMASTER is available for European applications.

A low-cost PIC16/17 MCU development option is PICSTART(R) Plus, a development software suite and a programmer supported by assembler and simulator software tools. Other support and development tools include a C compiler, programming development support, MPASM microcontroller assembler and MPLAB-SIM software simulator.

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading supplier of field-programmable 8-bit microcontrollers, serial EEPROMs and related specialty memory products, KEELOQ(R) code hopping devices and the QuickASIC(TM) family of masked ASICs for FPGA/CPLD conversions. These products target high-volume embedded control applications in the consumer, automotive, office automation, communications and industrial markets.

The company focuses on high volume applications that feature the industry's most economical OTP (one-time-programmable) as well as EEPROM, FLASH and ROM memory capability. Microchip's quality systems are ISO 9001 certified.

The company is headquartered near Phoenix in Chandler, and operates wafer fabrication facilities in Chandler and Tempe, Ariz. Assembly and test operations are performed at Microchip's Taiwan and Thailand facilities and other locations. Microchip employs approximately 1,800 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and North America. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, PICMASTER, PICSTART, PRO MATE and KEELOQ are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. MPLAB is a trademark of Microchip Technology in the United States and other countries.

SQTP is a servicemark of Microchip Technology in the United States and other countries. QuickASIC is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Microchip Technology Inc., Chandler

Eric Sells, 602/786-7478 (Editors)

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